Petitions/Change the UK tax year to start on the 1st of January
StatusOngoing
Opened15 Jan 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April, a relic of 1752 when Britain switched calendars and “lost” 11 days. That historical quirk made sense then - but today, it’s a barrier to simplicity and global alignment. Let's modernise our system for ease and alignment with over 120 other countries.

• Global Standard: Over 120 countries start their tax year on 1 January, including the USA, Canada, and most of Europe. • Simplification: Aligning with the calendar year would make payroll, budgeting, and reporting easier for businesses and individuals. • International Competitiveness: UK companies trading globally face unnecessary complexity because our tax year doesn’t match international norms. • Easier financial planning. • Reduced accounting costs. • Fewer errors and compliance headaches.

10,000
100,000

Constituency engagement ranking

Charlotte Cane
1Charlotte Cane MP
Ely and East Cambridgeshire
5
Lauren Edwards
2Lauren Edwards MP
Rochester and Strood
2
Charlie Maynard
3Charlie Maynard MP
Witney
2
Joy Morrissey
4Joy Morrissey MP
Beaconsfield
1
Phil Brickell
5Phil Brickell MP
Bolton West
1
Richard Tice
6Richard Tice MP
Boston and Skegness
1
Ruth Cadbury
7Ruth Cadbury MP
Brentford and Isleworth
1
Callum Anderson
8Callum Anderson MP
Buckingham and Bletchley
1
Marie Goldman
9Marie Goldman MP
Chelmsford
1
Mr Toby Perkins
10Mr Toby Perkins MP
Chesterfield
1