Paying your self-assessment tax bill can feel overwhelming, especially if you're self-employed, a landlord, or juggling income from multiple sources. This guide explains how to pay your self-assessment tax bill step-by-step, including deadlines, payment methods, late penalties, and what to do if you can't afford to pay.

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HMRC Deadlines You Must Know

There are two key HMRC deadlines each year for self-assessment taxpayers:

31 January – This is the deadline for:

Filing your tax return for the previous tax year
Paying any tax you owe for that year
Making your first Payment on Account for the current tax year

31 July – This is the deadline for:

Making your second Payment on Account (if applicable)

Missing these deadlines can result in penalties and interest charges, so be sure to mark them in your calendar.

Ways to Pay Your Self-Assessment Tax Bill

Paying via the HMRC App

The HMRC app is a quick, mobile-friendly way to make payments and check your tax information.

Steps:

Download the HMRC app via iOS or Android.
Log in using your Government Gateway ID and password.
Tap ‘Self-Assessment’.
Choose ‘Make a payment’ and follow the instructions.

Payment options include:

Debit card
Online banking
Apple Pay / Google Pay

Tip: Use your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number as the payment reference, so the payment is correctly allocated.

Download the HMRC App – GOV.UK

Using Your Government Gateway Account

Your Government Gateway account provides complete access to your Self-Assessment records and payment features.

Steps:

Log in via HMRC’s official website.
Select ‘Self-Assessment’ from the dashboard.
Choose ‘Make a payment’ and enter the amount you owe.
Select your preferred method and complete the transaction.

Set Up a Budget Payment Plan:
Want to pay weekly or monthly instead of in a lump sum? Use your Government Gateway account to set up a Budget Payment Plan. This allows you to make regular payments towards your next tax bill, helping you manage your cash flow and avoid a large balancing payment.

Pay Your Self-Assessment Tax Bill – GOV.UK

Using Online or Telephone Banking

If you're not using the app, you can pay using online banking or a bank transfer. Here's how:

Bank details for HMRC Self-Assessment payments:

Account Name: HMRC Cumbernauld
Sort Code: 08-32-10
Account Number: 12001020
Payment Reference: Your 10-digit UTR number, followed by the letter 'K'

Example: 1234567890K

If you're paying by telephone banking, call your bank directly and provide the same details.

What If You Can’t Pay on Time?

If you're struggling to pay your tax bill, HMRC may allow you to set up a Time to Pay arrangement. This lets you spread payments over monthly installments. You can request this online (if you owe less than £30,000 and are up to date with your returns) or by calling HMRC.

Tip: Don’t wait until you're overdue. Apply for Time to Pay before the deadline to avoid penalties.

Penalties for Late Payment

Days Late	Penalty
1 day	£100 fixed penalty
30 days	5% of unpaid tax
6 months	An additional 5% of unpaid tax
12 months	Further 5% penalty

Interest is charged on all overdue amounts from the payment deadline until full payment is received.

FAQs About Self-Assessment Payments

Here are some frequently asked questions that may help clarify your next steps. If you still have questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to contact us — we're here to help.

Yes, HMRC offers a Budget Payment Plan that allows you to make regular weekly or monthly payments towards the amount you owe. This can help you spread the cost of your self-assessment bill and stay on top of your finances. You can set up a budget payment using your HMRC online account, under the Direct Debit section.
If you missed the deadline to submit your paper tax return by 31st October, you must now file your tax return online by 31st January. HMRC may apply penalties if you don’t meet these deadlines.
You can pay using a debit card, but HMRC only accepts corporate credit cards; personal credit cards are not allowed. Visit gov.uk for the secure online payment services page, where you’ll find the different ways you can pay your self-assessment tax bill.
In some cases, if you’re employed or receive a pension, HMRC may be able to automatically collect what you owe through an adjustment to your PAYE tax code. This usually applies if the amount you owe is less than £3,000 and your online tax return was submitted by 30th December. You can check eligibility when you make payments through your HMRC account.
A balancing payment is the part of your self-assessment tax payment that covers any tax due for the previous tax year that wasn’t covered by advance payments on account. This must be paid by 31st January, along with the first payment towards your next tax year. Be sure to contact HMRC or your accountant if you're unsure about your total tax liability.

Need Help Paying Your Tax Bill?

At Anlo Financial Solutions, we help small business owners, property investors, and freelancers understand how to pay their self-assessment tax bill with confidence. We offer personalised tax guidance, hands-on Xero training, and expert assistance dealing with HMRC.

Book a free consultation to get clarity on your self-assessment today.

How to Pay Your Self-Assessment Tax Bill

HMRC Deadlines You Must Know