Why do fiscal years start in April (usually)? Why don’t companies just pick Jan like the calendar year?
Depends on where you are. UK fiscal years are based on the old Julian calendar, where the new year started on what is now ~April 5th-6th. Changing it now would mean everyone would have to balance the books over Christmas, which I don't imagine would go over very well.
The Short Answer
Depends on where you are. UK fiscal years are based on the old Julian calendar, where the new year started on what is now ~April 5th-6th. Changing it now would mean everyone would have to balance the books over Christmas, which I don't imagine would go over very well. Other countries like Germany and China do line up with the calendar year. There's a nice list here: _URL_0_
Analysis
Key Concepts: Calendar, year, depends
This explanation focuses on calendar, year, depends and spans 69 words across 5 sentences. The depth is typical for Space & Astronomy questions (category average: 68 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Depends on where you are.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in Space & Astronomy
Ranked #215 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by answer depth (top 44%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why fiscal years start in april (usually)? why don't companies just pick jan like the calendar year?
Depends on where you are. UK fiscal years are based on the old Julian calendar, where the new year started on what is now ~April 5th-6th. Changing it now would mean everyone would have to balance the books over Christmas, which I don't imagine would…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Space & Astronomy questions?
This is an above-average answer at 69 words, ranked #215 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by depth. The key concepts covered are calendar, year, depends.
What approach does this answer take to explain fiscal years start in april (usually)? why don't companies j?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 69 words. It is categorized under Space & Astronomy and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.