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.
Latest Northern Ireland News
10 December 2025
Belfast Council Signs Deal To Power Venues With Local Wind Energy
Belfast City Council has become the first organisation to sign up for green electricity from the city's newest wind farm, after agreeing a supply contract with 3T Power.
Belfast Council Signs Deal To Power Venues With Local Wind Energy
Belfast City Council has become the first organisation to sign up for green electricity from the city's newest wind farm, after agreeing a supply contract with 3T Power.
10 December 2025
£70m Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Transformation Gets Underway
The extensive redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen has officially entered its building phase following the completion of site preparations and demolition work. The ambitious £70 million scheme will create a state-of-the-art leisure, health, and wellbeing hub on the shores of the River Erne.
£70m Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Transformation Gets Underway
The extensive redevelopment of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen has officially entered its building phase following the completion of site preparations and demolition work. The ambitious £70 million scheme will create a state-of-the-art leisure, health, and wellbeing hub on the shores of the River Erne.
10 December 2025
Funding For PSNI Recruitment And Pay Uplift Secured
Following the outcome of the December monitoring round, the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has confirmed that the necessary funding for PSNI recruitment and the full, recommended pay uplift for police officers has been secured and will now be made available.1 The Department of Justice has been allocated a total of £11.6 million.
Funding For PSNI Recruitment And Pay Uplift Secured
Following the outcome of the December monitoring round, the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has confirmed that the necessary funding for PSNI recruitment and the full, recommended pay uplift for police officers has been secured and will now be made available.1 The Department of Justice has been allocated a total of £11.6 million.
10 December 2025
Ministers Welcomes Airbus And Boeing Acquisition Of Spirit AeroSystems
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Invest NI chief executive Kieran Donoghue have welcomed confirmation that Airbus and Boeing have completed the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, calling it a vote of confidence in the region's aerospace sector.
Ministers Welcomes Airbus And Boeing Acquisition Of Spirit AeroSystems
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Invest NI chief executive Kieran Donoghue have welcomed confirmation that Airbus and Boeing have completed the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, calling it a vote of confidence in the region's aerospace sector.
10 December 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.
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.
10 December 2025
Consultation Launched In Executive's Decade-Long Disability Strategy
The Executive's Disability Strategy has officially entered its public consultation phase, launched by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. This strategy is a key initiative aimed at significantly increasing participation and inclusion for Deaf and disabled people across society.
Consultation Launched In Executive's Decade-Long Disability Strategy
The Executive's Disability Strategy has officially entered its public consultation phase, launched by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. This strategy is a key initiative aimed at significantly increasing participation and inclusion for Deaf and disabled people across society.
10 December 2025
Budget Energy Announces Tariff Increase
Budget Energy is scheduled to increase its electricity tariff by 4%, effective from 15 January 2026. This tariff hike means a typical Budget Energy credit customer will see their annual electricity bill increase by approximately £47 per year. Similarly, a typical prepayment customer will see their annual top-up costs rise by roughly £46 per year.
Budget Energy Announces Tariff Increase
Budget Energy is scheduled to increase its electricity tariff by 4%, effective from 15 January 2026. This tariff hike means a typical Budget Energy credit customer will see their annual electricity bill increase by approximately £47 per year. Similarly, a typical prepayment customer will see their annual top-up costs rise by roughly £46 per year.
10 December 2025
Education Minister Launches New Literacy Framework for Primary Schools
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has officially launched a new literacy framework designed for primary schools, with the goal of strengthening literacy practices across Northern Ireland. The framework, titled Strong Foundations: A Literacy Framework for Primary Schools, was unveiled today at the TransformED Literacy Symposium.
Education Minister Launches New Literacy Framework for Primary Schools
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has officially launched a new literacy framework designed for primary schools, with the goal of strengthening literacy practices across Northern Ireland. The framework, titled Strong Foundations: A Literacy Framework for Primary Schools, was unveiled today at the TransformED Literacy Symposium.
09 December 2025
PSNI Publishes Operation Kenova Final Report
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has released the Operation Kenova Final Report, with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher issuing a strong call for openness around Troubles-era investigations and the handling of the Army agent known as Stakeknife.
PSNI Publishes Operation Kenova Final Report
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has released the Operation Kenova Final Report, with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher issuing a strong call for openness around Troubles-era investigations and the handling of the Army agent known as Stakeknife.
09 December 2025
United Wines Expand Designated Drivers Campaign With Belfast Giants
Leading drinks distributor United Wines has expanded its popular Designated Driver campaign to include the Belfast Giants' Elite League match against the Guildford Flames at the SSE Arena on Friday, December 12.
United Wines Expand Designated Drivers Campaign With Belfast Giants
Leading drinks distributor United Wines has expanded its popular Designated Driver campaign to include the Belfast Giants' Elite League match against the Guildford Flames at the SSE Arena on Friday, December 12.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.