Corporation tax accounting period (UK)
A corporation tax accounting period is the period covered by a company tax return and cannot be longer than 12 months. It often coincides with the period of account, but a longer period of account can require more than one tax accounting period and return. Other events can cause periods to begin or end; check applicable UK rules and dates rather than assuming accounting and tax periods always coincide.
Worked example
A company prepares accounts for a 15-month period. Assuming no other event changes the tax periods, it prepares returns for a 12-month corporation tax period and a further 3-month period.
Common mistake
Using one 15-month tax accounting period simply because the financial statements cover 15 months.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | TX (UK) | Direct | June 2026–June 2027 |