How to pay your tax bill

If you need to pay your tax bill, HMRC accepts most payment methods:

• online by card: but you can only use a debit card
• through a direct debit
• via CHAPS, BACs, or through a direct bank transfer
• by cheque at post
• at your bank or building society: remember to bring a paying-in slip from HMRC.

What you need to remember:

• have your UTR number ready – here is how to get it
• payments can take between 1 to 5 working days to reach HMRC, so if the payment deadline falls on a bank holiday or a weekend, make sure that your payment reaches HMRC before that – or you’ll be fined (£100).

What if I cannot pay my tax bill on time?

Make sure to contact HMRC.

What will happen:

1. HMRC will consider why you’re struggling to pay the amount owed
2. HMRC will let you know how much they believe you can pay right now
3. You will also be able to work out a payment plan for paying the rest of your tax bill.

Our advice: even if you cannot afford to pay your tax bill, do not wait.

Submit your tax return and discuss with HMRC — it’s much harder to appeal a Self Assessment penalty than discuss a payment plan.