How To Pay Your Self Assessment Tax Return (2023/24)

Michael Campbell -

Self Assessment Tax Return Payment Options

Unsurprisingly, HMRC make it really easy to pay your self assessment tax return.

Simply follow the link below - click the pay now button - and you'll find a range of payment options.

Pay your Self Assessment tax bill
Payment options for your Self Assessment tax bill - Direct Debit, bank transfer, through your tax code, debit or credit card, cheque and pay weekly or monthly
GOV.UKGovernment Digital Service

You'll need to include a payment reference, which is your Unique Tax Reference (10 digits) followed by the letter K, for example - 0123456789K.

Time To Pay Arrangement

You can apply for a time to pay arrangement online if:

  • you owe £30,000 or less
  • you have no other payment plans or debts with HMRC
  • your tax returns are up to date
  • it is less than 60 days after the payment deadline

If you meet the criteria you can set up a payment plan online - this is the easiest way to do it. Or you can call HMRC to arrange a bespoke or long-term time to pay arrangement.

You can set up a payment plan online here if you already have an online account.

Or you can set up a government gateway account online here.

It might take a couple of weeks to set up an account. Usually, you have to wait for a code to arrive in the post to complete the set up process. So it is worth doing this as early as possible.

Alternatively, you can apply for a time to pay arrangement over the phone.

What To Do Before Calling HMRC

90% of TTP arrangements are completed in full. HMRC are helpful and understanding if you are struggling to settle your taxes.

This is important. When you call, they will want to know how much you can pay each month. So you need to figure out how much you can afford before you pick up the phone.

Do not be overly ambitious. It is better to take longer to pay than to commit to something you cannot afford.

They may offer a monthly payment plan over 12 to 36 months, but it depends on your circumstances. They usually expect one payment at the time of the call too.

You'll still need to pay interest, but they may freeze penalties and surcharges. Debt collection proceedings will also be halted.

If you've recently submitted your tax return, then you may need to wait a few days for HMRC to process the amounts that you owe. They will not set up a payment plan for a tax return they have not received.