Quick answer
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill by 31 January using HMRC’s online account, the HMRC app, bank transfer, Direct Debit or debit card. If you cannot pay in full, set up a Time to Pay instalment plan. Payments on account (if you owe over £1,000) are due 31 January and 31 July.
Updated October 2026 · Figures based on 2026/27 rates
Knowing how to pay your Self Assessment tax bill — and doing it on time — is as important as filing the return itself. HMRC offers several payment methods, each with different processing times, and choosing the wrong one at the last minute is a common cause of missed deadlines. This guide covers every HMRC-accepted method, payments on account, what to do if you cannot pay, and the penalties for getting it wrong.
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When Is Your Self Assessment Tax Bill Due?
| Payment type | Deadline | What it covers |
| Balancing payment | 31 January | Remaining tax for the previous tax year |
| First payment on account | 31 January | Half of next year’s estimated bill (if you owe over £1,000) |
| Second payment on account | 31 July | The other half of next year’s estimated bill |
For the 2026/27 tax year, your bill is due by 31 January 2028. See our Self Assessment deadline guide for the full timetable.
How to Pay Your Self Assessment Tax Bill
HMRC accepts the following methods. Always allow enough processing time — a payment sent on 31 January that arrives on 2 February is late.
1. Through Your HMRC Online Account (Fastest)
Log into your HMRC online account or the HMRC app and choose “Pay by bank account”. You are redirected to your mobile banking app to approve the payment instantly via Open Banking. Funds typically reach HMRC the same day.
2. Bank Transfer (Faster Payments or CHAPS)
Pay directly from your bank using HMRC’s sort code and account number with your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) as the reference — getting the UTR wrong means your payment may not be allocated. Faster Payments usually arrive same-day or next working day; CHAPS is same-day if sent before your bank’s cut-off; BACS takes up to 3 working days.
3. Debit Card or Corporate Credit Card
Pay online by debit card or corporate credit card for instant confirmation. Note: HMRC does not accept personal credit cards. A non-refundable fee applies to corporate credit card payments.
4. Direct Debit
Set up a one-off Direct Debit through your HMRC account, or a regular Budget Payment Plan to spread the cost across the year. Allow 5 working days for a first-time Direct Debit instruction (3 days if you already have a mandate).
5. Through Your PAYE Tax Code
If you owe less than £3,000 and already pay tax through PAYE employment, you can ask HMRC to collect the bill via your tax code over 12 months. You must file your online return by 30 December (before the 31 January deadline) to use this option.
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What Are Payments on Account?
If your Self Assessment bill exceeds £1,000, HMRC requires payments on account — advance payments towards next year’s bill, each worth 50% of the previous year’s liability, due 31 January and 31 July. Many newly self-employed workers are caught out: the first January bill can be 150% of the actual liability (the balancing payment plus the first payment on account). Budget for both from year one.
What If You Cannot Afford to Pay?
Do not ignore the deadline — contact HMRC immediately. Options include:
- Time to Pay arrangement: If you owe less than £30,000, are within 60 days of the deadline, and have filed your return, you can set up instalments online. Longer or larger arrangements require speaking to HMRC.
- Budget Payment Plan: Make regular advance payments towards your next bill to avoid a lump sum.
Interest accrues from 1 February on any unpaid amount, so the sooner you arrange payment, the less it costs.
Penalties and Interest for Late Payment
- Interest: Charged from 1 February on unpaid tax (linked to Bank of England base rate)
- 30 days late: 5% surcharge on unpaid tax
- 6 months late: Further 5% surcharge
- 12 months late: Another 5% surcharge
Late payment penalties are separate from late filing penalties (£100 immediately, escalating thereafter). You can be hit by both.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying on 31 January by BACS: BACS takes 3 working days — your payment will be late. Use Faster Payments or pay earlier.
- Wrong UTR reference: Always quote your 10-digit UTR exactly; misallocated payments still count as unpaid.
- Forgetting payments on account: Budget for the July payment too, not just January.
- Confusing filing with payment: Submitting your return does not pay the bill — they are separate actions with the same deadline.
Keep Records of Every Payment
HMRC requires business records for at least 5 years after the 31 January deadline. Save payment confirmations, bank statements and HMRC receipts. If a payment goes astray, your records prove when and how you paid.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about paying UK Self Assessment tax and does not constitute personal financial advice. HMRC payment methods and timeframes may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Self Assessment payment take to reach HMRC?
Open Banking and debit card payments are usually same-day. Faster Payments arrive same-day or next working day. BACS takes up to 3 working days; allow 5 working days for a new Direct Debit. Always check your HMRC account to confirm receipt.
Can I pay my Self Assessment bill in instalments?
Yes — via a Time to Pay arrangement if you owe under £30,000 and are within 60 days of the deadline, or a Budget Payment Plan for advance instalments. Interest still accrues on the outstanding balance.
What happens if I pay the wrong amount?
Overpayments are refunded or offset against future liabilities; underpayments accrue interest and may trigger surcharges. If you realise you underpaid, top it up immediately through your HMRC account.
More answers: see our Self Assessment FAQs.
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Conclusion
The bottom line: pay by 31 January using the fastest method that suits you — HMRC’s online account or app for same-day payment — quote your UTR correctly, and never confuse filing with paying. If you owe over £1,000, budget for July’s payment on account too; if you cannot pay, arrange Time to Pay before penalties mount. Want the entire process handled? Our UK accountants will prepare, file and manage payment of your Self Assessment return for a fixed fee from £199 + VAT — order online now.
