Deadline for paying tax due is 31 January.
Understanding your payment options can help you avoid penalties, interest, and last-minute stress.
Below is a simple, easy-to-follow guide to the different methods you can use to pay your Self Assessment tax bill.
- Pay Online via Bank Transfer (Faster Payments)
This is one of the quickest and most reliable ways to pay.
✔ you Can pay via your Gateway account of if you don’t have one or forgot signing details you can choose option to pay without signing
✔ Sent directly from your bank to HMRC
✔ You’ll need your 11-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) as the payment reference
This method works best if you’re paying close to the deadline and want to ensure your payment clears quickly.
- Pay Using the HMRC App
The HMRC app is becoming increasingly popular because it’s quick, secure, and lets you view your balance instantly.
You can pay through:
- Bank transfer
- Debit card
- Recurring card payments
✔ Easy for mobile users
✔ Lets you track previous payments
✔ Allows you to see exactly what you owe
- Set Up a Direct Debit
Direct Debit is ideal if you prefer a simple, automated approach.
You can choose:
- One-off Direct Debit
- Monthly Budget Payment Plan
Important:
Direct Debits take a few days to set up, so avoid leaving it to the last minute.
- Pay by Debit or Corporate Credit Card
You can pay online using a card – online or via your Gateway account.
✔ Instant confirmation
✘ Personal credit cards are not accepted — only corporate cards
✘ A fee applies for corporate credit cards
If using this method, always check your card limits in advance.
- Pay at Your Bank or Building Society
If you received a payslip from HMRC, you can pay in person at your bank or building society.
✔ Useful for people who prefer in-person payments
✘ You must have the payslip
✘ Payments may not clear immediately
This method is becoming less common but is still available.
- Pay by Cheque Through the Post
Though slower and less frequently used, you can send a cheque with your HMRC payslip.
Important reminders:
- Post it well before the deadline
- Cheques must be payable to: ‘HM Revenue and Customs only’
- Include your 11-digit UTR as the reference
Because of postal delays, this is the least recommended option.
You can send a cheque by post to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
HMRC
Direct
BX5 5BD
- Set Up a Payment Plan (Time to Pay)
If you’re unable to pay the full amount by 31 January, HMRC may allow you to set up a payment plan, as long as:
- You owe less than £30,000
- Your returns are filed
- You set it up online without calling HMRC
A payment plan allows you to spread the cost over monthly instalments.
✔ Avoids penalties
✔ You can set up weekly or monthly payments
✔ Helps manage cash flow
✘ Interest still applies until the balance is fully paid
Which Method Is Best?
It depends on your situation:
- Need instant clearance? → Bank transfer / HMRC app
- Want things automated? → Direct Debit
- Struggling to pay? → Set up a payment plan
- Prefer traditional methods? → Bank or cheque payments
Whatever method you choose, make sure your payment reaches HMRC before the deadline to avoid unnecessary penalties or interest.
You need any help – contact us.
