Every way to pay HMRC, how long each one takes to arrive and what to do if you cannot pay in full.
If you file a Self Assessment tax return, the tax for the 2025/26 tax year must reach HMRC by 31 January 2027. That is also the deadline for filing the return online. If you make payments on account, your first payment towards the 2026/27 tax year is due on the same day, so the January bill can be larger than people expect.
Filing early does not mean paying early. You can send your return in November and still pay on 31 January, which gives you time to check the figure and plan the payment. Our self-employed tax calculator gives you an estimate before you file.
The simplest option for most people. A Faster Payments transfer usually reaches HMRC on the same or next day. A Bacs payment takes longer, typically three working days, so leave time if your bank uses it.
You can pay with a debit card through the GOV.UK payment service. HMRC does not accept personal credit cards. Allow a few working days for the payment to show in your account.
You can set up a one off Direct Debit through your HMRC online account. It takes several working days to set up, and longer if it is your first one with HMRC, so this is not the option to leave until the last day.
If you are employed or get a pension that runs through PAYE, you can ask HMRC to collect what you owe through your tax code over the following tax year instead of paying a lump sum. This only works when you owe less than £3,000 and file your return online by 30 December, or on paper by 31 October. Our tax code checker helps you understand the code you receive.
If you are up to date with earlier payments, you can pay towards your next bill in advance with regular weekly or monthly Direct Debits. You choose the amount, and anything still owed at the deadline is paid in the usual way. It is a good way to avoid a January shock.
HMRC still accepts cheques by post and payments at a bank or building society if you have a paying in slip from HMRC. These are the slowest methods, so allow extra working days.
Do not ignore the bill. HMRC can agree a Time to Pay arrangement that lets you clear what you owe in instalments. Many people can set one up online through their HMRC account once their return is filed; others need to call HMRC. Check GOV.UK for the current conditions, as there are limits on how much you can owe to use the online service.
After you pay, check your HMRC online account or the HMRC app. Payments can take a few working days to show. If a payment does not appear, contact your bank first to confirm the reference and the date it left your account.
HMRC sets out every payment method on GOV.UK. Search for "pay your Self Assessment tax bill" and "if you cannot pay your tax bill on time" for the official guidance. New to all this? Start with our new to Self Assessment guide.