UK corporate tax receipts have passed £100bn for the first time. HMRC released the figures on 24 September 2026. Total receipts from corporate taxes hit £100.4bn in 2025–26. That is up 4% from £96.9bn a year earlier. It is a major milestone for the UK tax system, and it shows how fast company tax revenue has grown.
The headline number needs some context, though. The £100.4bn does not come from Corporation Tax alone. It also includes other corporate taxes and levies, such as the Bank Levy, Bank Surcharge, Energy Profits Levy and Residential Property Developer Tax.
Onshore Corporation Tax receipts reached £92.9bn. Offshore Corporation Tax added £2.2bn. Together, that puts Corporation Tax receipts at about £95.1bn.
Which Sectors Paid the Most Corporation Tax?
Financial and insurance companies paid the most. The financial services sector was again the biggest contributor to Corporation Tax receipts. It generated £25.3bn, or 27% of Corporation Tax receipts sorted by industry. That is £3.6bn more than the year before. The Bank Surcharge also rose 20% to £1.2bn.
Other sectors made large contributions too. Wholesale and retail businesses paid £9.5bn. Professional, scientific and technical businesses paid £8.6bn. Not every sector saw the same trend. Energy Profits Levy receipts fell 10% to £2.6bn, as oil and gas prices dropped. Electricity Generator Levy receipts also fell sharply. So, the record £100.4bn does not mean every sector is paying more at the same rate.
How Is the 25% Corporation Tax Rate Showing in the Data?
HMRC’s figures show the effect of the 25% main Corporation Tax rate. Total Corporation Tax liabilities rose from £83.4bn to £87.9bn in 2024–25. This happened even though profits chargeable to Corporation Tax fell slightly.
Tax charged at the 25% rate grew strongly. The amount charged at the old 19% rate fell sharply. For growing limited companies, this means profit levels matter more when planning future Corporation Tax bills. It also means you should know which rate applies to you. Not every company pays the same percentage.
What Does This Mean for UK Limited Companies?
The £100bn figure does not mean every small or medium business faces a bigger tax bill. HMRC’s data shows that many companies still had no Corporation Tax to pay. Others paid at the small profits rate.
The key issue for business owners is accuracy. Make sure you:
- Calculate taxable profits correctly
- Include all allowable business costs
- Claim every eligible capital allowance, and check whether your business also qualifies for R&D Tax Credits
Poor records or wrong calculations can lead to higher tax bills, filing problems or questions from HMRC. HMRC is also stepping up its wider compliance work. It reported a record £50.2bn compliance yield in 2025–26, so it’s worth knowing what to expect from an HMRC tax investigation if your records are ever queried. Accurate tax figures and good records clearly still matter.
What Should Businesses Do Now?
Review your Corporation Tax position before your next filing deadline.
- Check which tax rate applies to your profits.
- Review your deductible expenses and capital allowance claims, backed by accurate bookkeeping throughout the year.
- Make sure your supporting records match the figures you report to HMRC.
If you plan major spending, check whether capital allowances could lower your taxable profits.
How Can Lanop Help With Corporation Tax?
Lanop helps UK businesses understand Corporation Tax before it becomes a year-end problem. Lanop’s team can review your taxable profits, Corporation Tax calculations, allowable expenses and capital allowances as part of wider tax planning. We also help you keep accurate records for HMRC. Corporate tax receipts are at record levels, and compliance activity remains high. Careful tax planning beats relying on assumptions.
The latest HMRC data makes one thing clear. You need to know what you owe, why you owe it and which legitimate reliefs may apply. Contact Lanop today to book a free consultation with one of our chartered accountants.
