10/12/2025
HMRC Reminds Self Assessment Customers Of Time To Pay Options
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers that support is available to help manage their tax bills during the festive season.
The deadline to file and pay for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026. Those unable to pay in full may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement online to spread the cost in monthly instalments. For bills up to £30,000, plans can be arranged without contacting HMRC directly.
Since 6 April 2025, nearly 18,000 Time to Pay plans have been set up, helping customers avoid late payment penalties by agreeing affordable, regular payments. HMRC figures show 17,955 online arrangements were created between 6 April and 30 November 2025.
A Time to Pay arrangement can only be set up once a tax return has been filed. Customers who owe more than £30,000, or who need a longer repayment period, should contact HMRC.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “We’re here to help customers get their tax right. If you are worried about paying your Self Assessment bill, assistance is available. Our online payment plans offer financial flexibility and can be tailored to individual circumstances. We want to support all our customers in meeting their tax obligations with confidence.”
There are several ways to pay a Self Assessment bill, including via the free HMRC app or online through GOV.UK, where full details of payment options are available. HMRC urges customers to file early to reduce last-minute pressure and to understand what they owe sooner. Online help and support, including YouTube videos explaining how to pay, are available for anyone completing a return, including first-time filers.
HMRC is also reminding those who received a Simple Assessment letter that the deadline to pay is 31 January 2026. Simple Assessment letters were issued to customers who have unpaid Income Tax from 2024 to 2025 that cannot be collected through PAYE. Anyone receiving a Simple Assessment on or after 31 October 2025 for tax owed in 2024 to 2025 will have three months from the assessment date to pay. Payments for both Self Assessment and Simple Assessment can be made in full or in instalments, as long as the balance is cleared by the deadline, through GOV.UK or the HMRC app.
Customers should stay vigilant against scams. Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money. HMRC’s guidance on tax scams is available on GOV.UK; always check before sharing personal or financial information and never share HMRC login details with anyone.
Additional reminders include: if a bill contains Class 2 National Insurance contributions, late payment may affect entitlement to contributory benefits; Child Benefit claimants who file only for the High Income Child Benefit Charge can now opt to pay through their tax code via a new PAYE digital service and may de‑register from Self Assessment if eligible; Winter Fuel Payments received in Autumn 2025 should not be included on 2024 to 2025 returns as they will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 return due by 31 January 2027; and from 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with turnover above £50,000 must use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and submit quarterly updates, with HMRC encouraging early sign-up.
The deadline to file and pay for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026. Those unable to pay in full may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement online to spread the cost in monthly instalments. For bills up to £30,000, plans can be arranged without contacting HMRC directly.
Since 6 April 2025, nearly 18,000 Time to Pay plans have been set up, helping customers avoid late payment penalties by agreeing affordable, regular payments. HMRC figures show 17,955 online arrangements were created between 6 April and 30 November 2025.
A Time to Pay arrangement can only be set up once a tax return has been filed. Customers who owe more than £30,000, or who need a longer repayment period, should contact HMRC.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “We’re here to help customers get their tax right. If you are worried about paying your Self Assessment bill, assistance is available. Our online payment plans offer financial flexibility and can be tailored to individual circumstances. We want to support all our customers in meeting their tax obligations with confidence.”
HMRC is also reminding those who received a Simple Assessment letter that the deadline to pay is 31 January 2026. Simple Assessment letters were issued to customers who have unpaid Income Tax from 2024 to 2025 that cannot be collected through PAYE. Anyone receiving a Simple Assessment on or after 31 October 2025 for tax owed in 2024 to 2025 will have three months from the assessment date to pay. Payments for both Self Assessment and Simple Assessment can be made in full or in instalments, as long as the balance is cleared by the deadline, through GOV.UK or the HMRC app.
Customers should stay vigilant against scams. Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money. HMRC’s guidance on tax scams is available on GOV.UK; always check before sharing personal or financial information and never share HMRC login details with anyone.
Additional reminders include: if a bill contains Class 2 National Insurance contributions, late payment may affect entitlement to contributory benefits; Child Benefit claimants who file only for the High Income Child Benefit Charge can now opt to pay through their tax code via a new PAYE digital service and may de‑register from Self Assessment if eligible; Winter Fuel Payments received in Autumn 2025 should not be included on 2024 to 2025 returns as they will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 return due by 31 January 2027; and from 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with turnover above £50,000 must use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and submit quarterly updates, with HMRC encouraging early sign-up.
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