Spread the cost of your Self Assessment tax bill

Self Assessment customers unable to pay their tax bill in full can plan ahead and spread the cost by using HMRC's Time to Pay arrangement.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is reminding people who pay tax by Self Assessment of the opportunity to spread the cost of their bill. Time to Pay payment plan will help you spread the cost of your tax bill, and there is still an opportunity to sign up for such an arrangement.

Time to Pay plan

HMRC offers these payment plans to support customers who are unable to pay their tax bill in full and are looking to manage their tax payments over regular monthly instalments.

The deadline to file an online Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and pay any tax owed is midnight on Saturday 31 January 2026.

Anyone who is unable to pay their tax bill in full, owes less than £30,000, and is eligible can quickly and easily apply online without the need to contact HMRC directly. Those who owe more than £30,000 are still able to apply but would need to contact HMRC.

Taxpayers must file their Self Assessment tax return before setting up a Time to Pay arrangement. HMRC customers setting up a Time to Pay arrangement need to budget accordingly to ensure that regular monthly payments can be made. Any missed payment will incur interest as well as a penalty.

Set up a Time to Pay payment plan.

Paying your tax bill

There are many ways in which people can pay their Self Assessment tax bill, including paying through the free and secure HMRC app or online. See a full list of payment options for your tax bill.

Simple Assessment

HMRC is also reminding anyone who received a Simple Assessment letter that the deadline to pay any tax owed is 31 January 2026. Simple Assessment customers do not need to register and complete a tax return.

For further information, see pay your Simple Assessment tax bill.

First published 12 December 2024