Date Calculator UK 2025

UK Bank Holidays 2024-2025

Bank holidays affect working day calculations, legal deadlines, and business operations. Different UK regions have different bank holidays.

Understanding UK Date Calculations

Inclusive vs Exclusive Counting

The difference between inclusive and exclusive counting can be significant. Inclusive counting includes both the start and end dates, so 1st to 3rd January = 3 days. Exclusive counting (business standard) excludes the start date, so the same range = 2 days. UK legal contexts typically use exclusive counting for notice periods.

Leap Years

Leap years add 29th February, affecting calculations spanning late February/early March. A year is a leap year if divisible by 4, except century years which must be divisible by 400. 2024 and 2028 are leap years; 2025 is not.

UK Tax Year

The UK tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April the following year - an unusual date stemming from the calendar reform of 1752. Key HMRC deadlines include:

• 31st October: Paper self-assessment tax returns
• 31st January: Online self-assessment tax returns
• 5th October: Register for self-assessment

Common UK Date Calculation Scenarios

Employment Notice Periods

UK statutory notice periods based on length of service:

• 1 month to 2 years: 1 week's notice
• 2-12 years: 1 week per year of service
• 12+ years: 12 weeks (maximum statutory)

Contracts often specify longer periods - commonly 1 month for junior roles, 3 months for senior positions.

Tenancy Agreements

For assured shorthold tenancies, landlords typically give 2 months' notice (Section 21). Tenants usually give 1 month's notice. The Renters' Reform Bill may change these requirements.

Legal Court Deadlines

Court deadlines in England and Wales exclude weekends and bank holidays for periods of 5 days or less. For longer periods, if the deadline falls on a weekend or bank holiday, it extends to the next working day.

Date Planning Tips

Important UK Date-Based Legal Deadlines

Many legal and administrative processes in the United Kingdom are governed by strict date-based deadlines. Missing these deadlines can result in financial penalties, loss of rights, or legal complications. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most important date-related deadlines that UK residents commonly encounter.

Employment Notice Periods and Tribunal Deadlines

Under UK employment law, statutory notice periods are calculated in calendar days unless otherwise specified in your contract. If you have been employed for less than one month, no statutory notice is required. For employment between one month and two years, you must provide at least one week's notice. For each additional year of service beyond two years, an extra week is added, up to a maximum of 12 weeks' notice for employees with 12 or more years of continuous service.

If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed or discriminated against, you must contact ACAS for Early Conciliation within 3 months less 1 day from the date of the act you are complaining about. Following ACAS conciliation, you then have at least one calendar month to submit your claim to an Employment Tribunal. These deadlines are strictly enforced, and late claims are rarely accepted.

HMRC Tax Filing and Payment Deadlines

The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. Key HMRC deadlines include the following: you must register for Self Assessment by 5 October in your business's second tax year. Paper Self Assessment tax returns must be filed by 31 October, while online returns have an extended deadline of 31 January. The same 31 January deadline applies to paying any tax owed for the previous year and making your first Payment on Account. A second Payment on Account is due by 31 July. Corporation Tax returns must be filed within 12 months of the end of your company's accounting period, but the payment of Corporation Tax is due 9 months and 1 day after the end of the accounting period.

Visa and Immigration Time Limits

UK visa applications are subject to strict date-based requirements. For most work visas, you can apply up to 3 months before your intended start date. Student visa applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance for courses starting more than 6 months away. After arriving in the UK, you typically have 10 days to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the specified Post Office. Visa extension applications should be submitted before your current visa expires, as overstaying even by one day can affect future immigration applications and may result in removal from the UK.

Probate and Inheritance Tax Deadlines

When someone passes away in England or Wales, there is no strict legal deadline to apply for probate, but it is generally advisable to begin the process within a few months. However, Inheritance Tax must be paid within 6 months of the end of the month in which the person died. If you miss this deadline, HMRC charges interest on the outstanding amount. The estate's tax return (Form IHT400) should be submitted alongside the probate application. For property transactions from the estate, Capital Gains Tax must be reported and paid within 60 days of completion.

Consumer Rights and Refund Periods

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have a 30-day right to reject faulty goods for a full refund from the date of delivery. After 30 days but within 6 months, you can request a repair or replacement, and if that fails, you are entitled to a refund. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act provides protection for credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000, with a claim period of 6 years from the date of the breach. For distance selling (online purchases), you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of delivery during which you can return items for any reason under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.