The deadline to file and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2026, but people who are unable to pay in full by then may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement online and spread the cost over monthly instalments.
For those with bills of up to £30,000, such an arrangement can be set up without even needing to contact HMRC directly.
According to HMRC, since 6 April 2025 nearly 18,000 payment plans have been set up using the service, helping customers avoid late payment penalties by arranging regular payments that suit their own circumstances.
A Time to Pay arrangements cannot be set up until a self assessment return has been filed. If the tax owed is more than £30,000, or a longer repayment period is needed, people can still apply but will need to contact HMRC directly.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
‘We’re here to help customers get their tax right. If you are worried about paying your self assessment bill, assistance is available. Our online payment plans offer financial flexibility and can be tailored to individual circumstances. We want to support all our customers in meeting their tax obligations with confidence.’
READ MORE
06/01/2026
View all >
09/07/2026
Tax gap up to more than £59 billion
The tax gap rose to a record high of £59.2 billion in cash terms for 2024/25, according to the latest data from HMRC.
Gen Zs wish they had learnt tax basics
Four in ten of Generation Z say they wish they had learnt the basics about tax when they were younger, according to data from HMRC.
Brexit burden must be cut, says BCC
The UK government must set out a clear plan to ease the burdens that Brexit has placed on business, says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Sign up to keep in touch to receive our latest news and industry updates.
* *
Yes, I would like to receive email updates providing me with the latest finance news, advice guides and details of future events.