Stop being self-employed (video)
In this guide:
- Understanding Self Assessment and your tax return
- Register for Self Assessment (video)
- Self Assessment tax return deadlines
- Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
- View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
- Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
- Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
- If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
- Stop being self-employed (video)
Register for Self Assessment (video)
How to register with HM Revenue & Customs for Self Assessment
You will need to register for Self Assessment with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you have to send a tax return but didn't send one the previous year.
Self Assessment registration process time
You should note that it can take up to 20 working days to complete the registration process. You should take this into consideration to give yourself plenty of time to complete your Self Assessment return ahead of the 31 January deadline.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to register your new business online with HMRC so that you can complete a Self Assessment return.
HMRC also provide video guidance on how to register for Self Assessment if you are not self-employed.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/register-self-assessment-video
Links
Self Assessment tax return deadlines
Important deadline dates for your Self Assessment tax returns.
You must send your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on time. There are a number of deadlines for Self Assessment that you must keep in mind.
The last tax year started on 6 April 2023 and ended on 5 April 2024.
Self Assessment deadlines
Self Assessment type Deadline Register for Self Assessment if you're self-employed or a sole trader, not self-employed or registering a partner or partnership 11:59pm on Friday 5 October 2024 Paper tax returns 11:59pm on Thursday 31 October 2024 Online tax returns 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025 Pay the tax you owe 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025
There is usually a second payment deadline of 31 July if you make advance payments towards your bill, known as payments on account.If you fail to meet the deadline you may have to pay a penalty. You can appeal against a penalty if you have a reasonable excuse.
When the deadline is different
Submit your online return by 30 December if you want HMRC to automatically collect tax you owe from your wages and pension. You must be eligible.
HMRC must receive a paper tax return by 31 January if you're a trustee of a registered pension scheme or a non-resident company. You can't send a return online.
HMRC might also email or write to you giving you a different deadline.
Partnership returns if you have a company as a partner
If your partnership’s accounting date is between 1 February and 5 April and one of your partners is a limited company, the deadline for:
- online returns is 12 months from the accounting date
- paper returns is 9 months from the accounting date
2022 to 2023 tax year and earlier
The Self Assessment deadline for these tax years has passed. Send your tax return or payment as soon as possible - you’ll have to pay a penalty.
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Source URL
/content/self-assessment-tax-return-deadlines
Links
Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
How to complete and submit your Self Assessment tax return online
Watch this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video with simple guidance on how to fill in and submit your Self Assessment tax return. This video is particularly useful if you are completing your first Self Assessment tax return.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/complete-your-self-assessment-tax-return-video
Links
View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
How to view your online tax calculation for Self Assessment
When you use HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online tax return it automatically works out how much you have to pay by providing you with a result of your calculation.
View this short HMRC video explaining how to view your Self Assessment calculation:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/view-your-self-assessment-calculation-video
Links
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to pay your Self Assessment tax bill
Your tax bill refers to your bill for income tax and any Class 4 National Insurance contributions you may owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
View this short HMRC video explaining how you pay your Self Assessment tax bill including various payment methods and payment deadline dates:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/pay-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
Watch this video to find out more about how to appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty
You may face paying a penalty if you don't submit your Self Assessment tax return on time. You may also face a penalty if you don't pay the tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the appropriate deadline.
View this short HMRC video explaining the penalties that can be applied in the Self Assessment system and how you can appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/how-appeal-self-assessment-late-filing-penalty-video
Links
Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to budget and prepare for your Self Assessment tax bill
View this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining how you can budget and prepare ahead for your Self Assessment tax bill including how to use the Ready Reckoner tool for the self-employed and information on the budget payment plan:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/budget-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
Expenses you can claim if you’re self-employed and listing these in your tax return
If you are self-employed you may need to understand pre-trading expenses, day to day revenue expenses, capital allowances and using flat rates or simplified expenses. Access the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) self-employed business expenses e-learning tool.
You can also view this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining expenses you can claim if you're self-employed and how to account for these in your Self Assessment tax return:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/expenses-if-youre-self-employed-video
Links
If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
You must arrange to pay your tax bill with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you either miss a payment or know you cannot pay on time
Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as soon as possible if you:
- have missed a tax deadline
- know you will not be able to pay a tax bill on time
If you can pay your tax bill
If you are able to pay your tax bill in full, you should do so as soon as possible. This will stop more penalty charges and interest being added to your tax bill.
If you cannot pay your tax bill in full
Contact HMRC to discuss support available.
HMRC may suggest you pay what you owe in instalments. This is called a Time to Pay arrangement.
Pay what you owe in instalments (Time to Pay)
How you contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make a Time to Pay arrangement depends on what your tax bill is for.
If you cannot pay a Self Assessment tax bill
You can make your own Time to Pay arrangement using your Government Gateway account, if you:
- have filed your latest tax return
- owe less than £30,000
- are within 60 days of the payment deadline
- plan to pay your debt off within the next 12 months or less
If you cannot make your own Time to Pay arrangement online
Call the Self Assessment helpline if you cannot make your own Time to Pay Arrangement online, for example you owe more than £30,000 or need longer to pay.
Self Assessment Payment Helpline
Telephone: 0300 200 3822
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)If you cannot pay another type of tax
If you or your company has got a letter or a text message about unpaid tax, then use the contact details in it to ask about a Time to Pay arrangement.
If you’ve not had any contact from HMRC then call the Payment Support Service.
Payment Support Service
Telephone: 0300 200 3835
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)What you’ll need to make a Time to Pay arrangement
When you set up a Time to Pay arrangement you’ll need:
- the relevant reference number for the tax you cannot pay, such as your unique tax reference number
- your VAT registration number if you’re a business
- your bank account details
- details of any previous payments you’ve missed
HMRC will ask you:
- how much you can repay each month
- if you can pay in full
- if there are other taxes you need to pay
- how much money you earn
- what you usually spend (including bills and entertainment) each month
- what savings or investments you have
If you have savings or assets, HMRC will expect you to use these to reduce your debt as much as possible.
If you’ve received independent debt advice, for example from Citizens Advice, you may have a ‘Standard Financial Statement’. HMRC will accept this as evidence of what you earn and spend each month.
If your company is in tax debt
HMRC will discuss your company’s finances with you.
They’ll ask you to make a verbal proposal, explaining how you’ll pay your tax bill as quickly as you can. An adviser will ask questions about your proposal to make sure it is realistic and affordable for you.
You must reduce your debt as much as possible before entering into a Time to Pay arrangement. You can do this by releasing assets like stock, vehicles and shares.
HMRC may ask company directors to:
- put personal funds into the business
- accept lending
- extend credit
How HMRC works out your payments
The amount you’ll be asked to pay each month is based on the money you have left after you pay any rent, food or utility bills and fixed outgoings you have, like subscriptions.
You’ll usually be asked to pay around half of what you have left over each month towards the tax you owe.
If you get a pension HMRC will count that as income, but will not count the amount in your pension pot as savings.
You can also agree to pay more if you want. Paying your debt quicker means you’ll pay less in total, as interest is added to your bill each month.
How long your Time to Pay arrangement lasts
There is no time limit on how long a Time to Pay arrangement can last. How long yours will last depends on how much you owe and what you can afford to pay each month.
Contact HMRC if anything changes that you think affects your Time to Pay arrangement. The arrangement can be made longer or shorter.
If HMRC finds out that something has changed in your circumstances, they may contact you to discuss changing your repayments.
When you cannot pay in instalments
You cannot set up a Time to Pay arrangement if HMRC do not believe you will follow a repayment plan. For example, if you have not paid taxes in the past.
If HMRC cannot agree a payment plan with you, they’ll ask you to pay the amount you owe in full. They can collect unpaid tax directly if you refuse to pay.
After a Time to Pay arrangement has been agreed
If you miss a payment, HMRC will contact you to find out why. Where possible, HMRC will restore the payment arrangement or renegotiate it with you.
If you cannot pay another tax bill, contact HMRC. You may be able to include the new tax bill in your existing Time to Pay arrangement.
If you do not contact HMRC or refuse to pay
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will always try to contact you if you miss a tax payment. This can include sending you letters, texts and visiting you at home or at work.
If you do not get in contact with HMRC or cannot agree an instalment plan then HMRC may:
- ask a debt collection agency to collect the money
- collect what you owe directly from your wages or any monthly pension payments you get
- take things you own and sell them (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take money directly from your bank account or building society savings (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take you to court
- make you bankrupt
- close down your company if the tax is a business tax
Any costs, like auction fees, are normally added to your debt. HMRC will tell you before taking any of these actions and will explain your rights, costs and options.
Read more about actions HMRC can take to recover tax.
Help and advice
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can get free debt advice from Advice NI.
Making a complaint
You cannot appeal against HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) decision, but you can make a complaint if you’re unhappy about how you were treated.
Also on this sitePrimary parentContent category
Source URL
/content/if-you-cannot-pay-your-tax-bill-time
Links
Stop being self-employed (video)
Step-by-step video guide to stopping your Self Assessment online if you're self-employed
You must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you’ve stopped trading as a sole trader or you’re ending or leaving a business partnership.
You’ll also need to send a final tax return.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to go online and stop Self Assessment if you're self-employed:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/stop-being-self-employed-video
Links
Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
In this guide:
- Understanding Self Assessment and your tax return
- Register for Self Assessment (video)
- Self Assessment tax return deadlines
- Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
- View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
- Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
- Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
- If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
- Stop being self-employed (video)
Register for Self Assessment (video)
How to register with HM Revenue & Customs for Self Assessment
You will need to register for Self Assessment with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you have to send a tax return but didn't send one the previous year.
Self Assessment registration process time
You should note that it can take up to 20 working days to complete the registration process. You should take this into consideration to give yourself plenty of time to complete your Self Assessment return ahead of the 31 January deadline.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to register your new business online with HMRC so that you can complete a Self Assessment return.
HMRC also provide video guidance on how to register for Self Assessment if you are not self-employed.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/register-self-assessment-video
Links
Self Assessment tax return deadlines
Important deadline dates for your Self Assessment tax returns.
You must send your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on time. There are a number of deadlines for Self Assessment that you must keep in mind.
The last tax year started on 6 April 2023 and ended on 5 April 2024.
Self Assessment deadlines
Self Assessment type Deadline Register for Self Assessment if you're self-employed or a sole trader, not self-employed or registering a partner or partnership 11:59pm on Friday 5 October 2024 Paper tax returns 11:59pm on Thursday 31 October 2024 Online tax returns 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025 Pay the tax you owe 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025
There is usually a second payment deadline of 31 July if you make advance payments towards your bill, known as payments on account.If you fail to meet the deadline you may have to pay a penalty. You can appeal against a penalty if you have a reasonable excuse.
When the deadline is different
Submit your online return by 30 December if you want HMRC to automatically collect tax you owe from your wages and pension. You must be eligible.
HMRC must receive a paper tax return by 31 January if you're a trustee of a registered pension scheme or a non-resident company. You can't send a return online.
HMRC might also email or write to you giving you a different deadline.
Partnership returns if you have a company as a partner
If your partnership’s accounting date is between 1 February and 5 April and one of your partners is a limited company, the deadline for:
- online returns is 12 months from the accounting date
- paper returns is 9 months from the accounting date
2022 to 2023 tax year and earlier
The Self Assessment deadline for these tax years has passed. Send your tax return or payment as soon as possible - you’ll have to pay a penalty.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/self-assessment-tax-return-deadlines
Links
Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
How to complete and submit your Self Assessment tax return online
Watch this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video with simple guidance on how to fill in and submit your Self Assessment tax return. This video is particularly useful if you are completing your first Self Assessment tax return.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/complete-your-self-assessment-tax-return-video
Links
View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
How to view your online tax calculation for Self Assessment
When you use HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online tax return it automatically works out how much you have to pay by providing you with a result of your calculation.
View this short HMRC video explaining how to view your Self Assessment calculation:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/view-your-self-assessment-calculation-video
Links
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to pay your Self Assessment tax bill
Your tax bill refers to your bill for income tax and any Class 4 National Insurance contributions you may owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
View this short HMRC video explaining how you pay your Self Assessment tax bill including various payment methods and payment deadline dates:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/pay-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
Watch this video to find out more about how to appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty
You may face paying a penalty if you don't submit your Self Assessment tax return on time. You may also face a penalty if you don't pay the tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the appropriate deadline.
View this short HMRC video explaining the penalties that can be applied in the Self Assessment system and how you can appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/how-appeal-self-assessment-late-filing-penalty-video
Links
Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to budget and prepare for your Self Assessment tax bill
View this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining how you can budget and prepare ahead for your Self Assessment tax bill including how to use the Ready Reckoner tool for the self-employed and information on the budget payment plan:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/budget-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
Expenses you can claim if you’re self-employed and listing these in your tax return
If you are self-employed you may need to understand pre-trading expenses, day to day revenue expenses, capital allowances and using flat rates or simplified expenses. Access the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) self-employed business expenses e-learning tool.
You can also view this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining expenses you can claim if you're self-employed and how to account for these in your Self Assessment tax return:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/expenses-if-youre-self-employed-video
Links
If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
You must arrange to pay your tax bill with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you either miss a payment or know you cannot pay on time
Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as soon as possible if you:
- have missed a tax deadline
- know you will not be able to pay a tax bill on time
If you can pay your tax bill
If you are able to pay your tax bill in full, you should do so as soon as possible. This will stop more penalty charges and interest being added to your tax bill.
If you cannot pay your tax bill in full
Contact HMRC to discuss support available.
HMRC may suggest you pay what you owe in instalments. This is called a Time to Pay arrangement.
Pay what you owe in instalments (Time to Pay)
How you contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make a Time to Pay arrangement depends on what your tax bill is for.
If you cannot pay a Self Assessment tax bill
You can make your own Time to Pay arrangement using your Government Gateway account, if you:
- have filed your latest tax return
- owe less than £30,000
- are within 60 days of the payment deadline
- plan to pay your debt off within the next 12 months or less
If you cannot make your own Time to Pay arrangement online
Call the Self Assessment helpline if you cannot make your own Time to Pay Arrangement online, for example you owe more than £30,000 or need longer to pay.
Self Assessment Payment Helpline
Telephone: 0300 200 3822
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)If you cannot pay another type of tax
If you or your company has got a letter or a text message about unpaid tax, then use the contact details in it to ask about a Time to Pay arrangement.
If you’ve not had any contact from HMRC then call the Payment Support Service.
Payment Support Service
Telephone: 0300 200 3835
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)What you’ll need to make a Time to Pay arrangement
When you set up a Time to Pay arrangement you’ll need:
- the relevant reference number for the tax you cannot pay, such as your unique tax reference number
- your VAT registration number if you’re a business
- your bank account details
- details of any previous payments you’ve missed
HMRC will ask you:
- how much you can repay each month
- if you can pay in full
- if there are other taxes you need to pay
- how much money you earn
- what you usually spend (including bills and entertainment) each month
- what savings or investments you have
If you have savings or assets, HMRC will expect you to use these to reduce your debt as much as possible.
If you’ve received independent debt advice, for example from Citizens Advice, you may have a ‘Standard Financial Statement’. HMRC will accept this as evidence of what you earn and spend each month.
If your company is in tax debt
HMRC will discuss your company’s finances with you.
They’ll ask you to make a verbal proposal, explaining how you’ll pay your tax bill as quickly as you can. An adviser will ask questions about your proposal to make sure it is realistic and affordable for you.
You must reduce your debt as much as possible before entering into a Time to Pay arrangement. You can do this by releasing assets like stock, vehicles and shares.
HMRC may ask company directors to:
- put personal funds into the business
- accept lending
- extend credit
How HMRC works out your payments
The amount you’ll be asked to pay each month is based on the money you have left after you pay any rent, food or utility bills and fixed outgoings you have, like subscriptions.
You’ll usually be asked to pay around half of what you have left over each month towards the tax you owe.
If you get a pension HMRC will count that as income, but will not count the amount in your pension pot as savings.
You can also agree to pay more if you want. Paying your debt quicker means you’ll pay less in total, as interest is added to your bill each month.
How long your Time to Pay arrangement lasts
There is no time limit on how long a Time to Pay arrangement can last. How long yours will last depends on how much you owe and what you can afford to pay each month.
Contact HMRC if anything changes that you think affects your Time to Pay arrangement. The arrangement can be made longer or shorter.
If HMRC finds out that something has changed in your circumstances, they may contact you to discuss changing your repayments.
When you cannot pay in instalments
You cannot set up a Time to Pay arrangement if HMRC do not believe you will follow a repayment plan. For example, if you have not paid taxes in the past.
If HMRC cannot agree a payment plan with you, they’ll ask you to pay the amount you owe in full. They can collect unpaid tax directly if you refuse to pay.
After a Time to Pay arrangement has been agreed
If you miss a payment, HMRC will contact you to find out why. Where possible, HMRC will restore the payment arrangement or renegotiate it with you.
If you cannot pay another tax bill, contact HMRC. You may be able to include the new tax bill in your existing Time to Pay arrangement.
If you do not contact HMRC or refuse to pay
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will always try to contact you if you miss a tax payment. This can include sending you letters, texts and visiting you at home or at work.
If you do not get in contact with HMRC or cannot agree an instalment plan then HMRC may:
- ask a debt collection agency to collect the money
- collect what you owe directly from your wages or any monthly pension payments you get
- take things you own and sell them (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take money directly from your bank account or building society savings (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take you to court
- make you bankrupt
- close down your company if the tax is a business tax
Any costs, like auction fees, are normally added to your debt. HMRC will tell you before taking any of these actions and will explain your rights, costs and options.
Read more about actions HMRC can take to recover tax.
Help and advice
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can get free debt advice from Advice NI.
Making a complaint
You cannot appeal against HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) decision, but you can make a complaint if you’re unhappy about how you were treated.
Also on this sitePrimary parentContent category
Source URL
/content/if-you-cannot-pay-your-tax-bill-time
Links
Stop being self-employed (video)
Step-by-step video guide to stopping your Self Assessment online if you're self-employed
You must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you’ve stopped trading as a sole trader or you’re ending or leaving a business partnership.
You’ll also need to send a final tax return.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to go online and stop Self Assessment if you're self-employed:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/stop-being-self-employed-video
Links
Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
In this guide:
- Understanding Self Assessment and your tax return
- Register for Self Assessment (video)
- Self Assessment tax return deadlines
- Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
- View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
- Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
- Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
- If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
- Stop being self-employed (video)
Register for Self Assessment (video)
How to register with HM Revenue & Customs for Self Assessment
You will need to register for Self Assessment with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you have to send a tax return but didn't send one the previous year.
Self Assessment registration process time
You should note that it can take up to 20 working days to complete the registration process. You should take this into consideration to give yourself plenty of time to complete your Self Assessment return ahead of the 31 January deadline.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to register your new business online with HMRC so that you can complete a Self Assessment return.
HMRC also provide video guidance on how to register for Self Assessment if you are not self-employed.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/register-self-assessment-video
Links
Self Assessment tax return deadlines
Important deadline dates for your Self Assessment tax returns.
You must send your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on time. There are a number of deadlines for Self Assessment that you must keep in mind.
The last tax year started on 6 April 2023 and ended on 5 April 2024.
Self Assessment deadlines
Self Assessment type Deadline Register for Self Assessment if you're self-employed or a sole trader, not self-employed or registering a partner or partnership 11:59pm on Friday 5 October 2024 Paper tax returns 11:59pm on Thursday 31 October 2024 Online tax returns 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025 Pay the tax you owe 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025
There is usually a second payment deadline of 31 July if you make advance payments towards your bill, known as payments on account.If you fail to meet the deadline you may have to pay a penalty. You can appeal against a penalty if you have a reasonable excuse.
When the deadline is different
Submit your online return by 30 December if you want HMRC to automatically collect tax you owe from your wages and pension. You must be eligible.
HMRC must receive a paper tax return by 31 January if you're a trustee of a registered pension scheme or a non-resident company. You can't send a return online.
HMRC might also email or write to you giving you a different deadline.
Partnership returns if you have a company as a partner
If your partnership’s accounting date is between 1 February and 5 April and one of your partners is a limited company, the deadline for:
- online returns is 12 months from the accounting date
- paper returns is 9 months from the accounting date
2022 to 2023 tax year and earlier
The Self Assessment deadline for these tax years has passed. Send your tax return or payment as soon as possible - you’ll have to pay a penalty.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/self-assessment-tax-return-deadlines
Links
Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
How to complete and submit your Self Assessment tax return online
Watch this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video with simple guidance on how to fill in and submit your Self Assessment tax return. This video is particularly useful if you are completing your first Self Assessment tax return.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/complete-your-self-assessment-tax-return-video
Links
View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
How to view your online tax calculation for Self Assessment
When you use HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online tax return it automatically works out how much you have to pay by providing you with a result of your calculation.
View this short HMRC video explaining how to view your Self Assessment calculation:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/view-your-self-assessment-calculation-video
Links
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to pay your Self Assessment tax bill
Your tax bill refers to your bill for income tax and any Class 4 National Insurance contributions you may owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
View this short HMRC video explaining how you pay your Self Assessment tax bill including various payment methods and payment deadline dates:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/pay-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
Watch this video to find out more about how to appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty
You may face paying a penalty if you don't submit your Self Assessment tax return on time. You may also face a penalty if you don't pay the tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the appropriate deadline.
View this short HMRC video explaining the penalties that can be applied in the Self Assessment system and how you can appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/how-appeal-self-assessment-late-filing-penalty-video
Links
Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to budget and prepare for your Self Assessment tax bill
View this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining how you can budget and prepare ahead for your Self Assessment tax bill including how to use the Ready Reckoner tool for the self-employed and information on the budget payment plan:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/budget-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
Expenses you can claim if you’re self-employed and listing these in your tax return
If you are self-employed you may need to understand pre-trading expenses, day to day revenue expenses, capital allowances and using flat rates or simplified expenses. Access the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) self-employed business expenses e-learning tool.
You can also view this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining expenses you can claim if you're self-employed and how to account for these in your Self Assessment tax return:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/expenses-if-youre-self-employed-video
Links
If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
You must arrange to pay your tax bill with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you either miss a payment or know you cannot pay on time
Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as soon as possible if you:
- have missed a tax deadline
- know you will not be able to pay a tax bill on time
If you can pay your tax bill
If you are able to pay your tax bill in full, you should do so as soon as possible. This will stop more penalty charges and interest being added to your tax bill.
If you cannot pay your tax bill in full
Contact HMRC to discuss support available.
HMRC may suggest you pay what you owe in instalments. This is called a Time to Pay arrangement.
Pay what you owe in instalments (Time to Pay)
How you contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make a Time to Pay arrangement depends on what your tax bill is for.
If you cannot pay a Self Assessment tax bill
You can make your own Time to Pay arrangement using your Government Gateway account, if you:
- have filed your latest tax return
- owe less than £30,000
- are within 60 days of the payment deadline
- plan to pay your debt off within the next 12 months or less
If you cannot make your own Time to Pay arrangement online
Call the Self Assessment helpline if you cannot make your own Time to Pay Arrangement online, for example you owe more than £30,000 or need longer to pay.
Self Assessment Payment Helpline
Telephone: 0300 200 3822
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)If you cannot pay another type of tax
If you or your company has got a letter or a text message about unpaid tax, then use the contact details in it to ask about a Time to Pay arrangement.
If you’ve not had any contact from HMRC then call the Payment Support Service.
Payment Support Service
Telephone: 0300 200 3835
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)What you’ll need to make a Time to Pay arrangement
When you set up a Time to Pay arrangement you’ll need:
- the relevant reference number for the tax you cannot pay, such as your unique tax reference number
- your VAT registration number if you’re a business
- your bank account details
- details of any previous payments you’ve missed
HMRC will ask you:
- how much you can repay each month
- if you can pay in full
- if there are other taxes you need to pay
- how much money you earn
- what you usually spend (including bills and entertainment) each month
- what savings or investments you have
If you have savings or assets, HMRC will expect you to use these to reduce your debt as much as possible.
If you’ve received independent debt advice, for example from Citizens Advice, you may have a ‘Standard Financial Statement’. HMRC will accept this as evidence of what you earn and spend each month.
If your company is in tax debt
HMRC will discuss your company’s finances with you.
They’ll ask you to make a verbal proposal, explaining how you’ll pay your tax bill as quickly as you can. An adviser will ask questions about your proposal to make sure it is realistic and affordable for you.
You must reduce your debt as much as possible before entering into a Time to Pay arrangement. You can do this by releasing assets like stock, vehicles and shares.
HMRC may ask company directors to:
- put personal funds into the business
- accept lending
- extend credit
How HMRC works out your payments
The amount you’ll be asked to pay each month is based on the money you have left after you pay any rent, food or utility bills and fixed outgoings you have, like subscriptions.
You’ll usually be asked to pay around half of what you have left over each month towards the tax you owe.
If you get a pension HMRC will count that as income, but will not count the amount in your pension pot as savings.
You can also agree to pay more if you want. Paying your debt quicker means you’ll pay less in total, as interest is added to your bill each month.
How long your Time to Pay arrangement lasts
There is no time limit on how long a Time to Pay arrangement can last. How long yours will last depends on how much you owe and what you can afford to pay each month.
Contact HMRC if anything changes that you think affects your Time to Pay arrangement. The arrangement can be made longer or shorter.
If HMRC finds out that something has changed in your circumstances, they may contact you to discuss changing your repayments.
When you cannot pay in instalments
You cannot set up a Time to Pay arrangement if HMRC do not believe you will follow a repayment plan. For example, if you have not paid taxes in the past.
If HMRC cannot agree a payment plan with you, they’ll ask you to pay the amount you owe in full. They can collect unpaid tax directly if you refuse to pay.
After a Time to Pay arrangement has been agreed
If you miss a payment, HMRC will contact you to find out why. Where possible, HMRC will restore the payment arrangement or renegotiate it with you.
If you cannot pay another tax bill, contact HMRC. You may be able to include the new tax bill in your existing Time to Pay arrangement.
If you do not contact HMRC or refuse to pay
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will always try to contact you if you miss a tax payment. This can include sending you letters, texts and visiting you at home or at work.
If you do not get in contact with HMRC or cannot agree an instalment plan then HMRC may:
- ask a debt collection agency to collect the money
- collect what you owe directly from your wages or any monthly pension payments you get
- take things you own and sell them (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take money directly from your bank account or building society savings (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take you to court
- make you bankrupt
- close down your company if the tax is a business tax
Any costs, like auction fees, are normally added to your debt. HMRC will tell you before taking any of these actions and will explain your rights, costs and options.
Read more about actions HMRC can take to recover tax.
Help and advice
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can get free debt advice from Advice NI.
Making a complaint
You cannot appeal against HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) decision, but you can make a complaint if you’re unhappy about how you were treated.
Also on this sitePrimary parentContent category
Source URL
/content/if-you-cannot-pay-your-tax-bill-time
Links
Stop being self-employed (video)
Step-by-step video guide to stopping your Self Assessment online if you're self-employed
You must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you’ve stopped trading as a sole trader or you’re ending or leaving a business partnership.
You’ll also need to send a final tax return.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to go online and stop Self Assessment if you're self-employed:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/stop-being-self-employed-video
Links
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
In this guide:
- Understanding Self Assessment and your tax return
- Register for Self Assessment (video)
- Self Assessment tax return deadlines
- Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
- View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
- Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
- Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
- If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
- Stop being self-employed (video)
Register for Self Assessment (video)
How to register with HM Revenue & Customs for Self Assessment
You will need to register for Self Assessment with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you have to send a tax return but didn't send one the previous year.
Self Assessment registration process time
You should note that it can take up to 20 working days to complete the registration process. You should take this into consideration to give yourself plenty of time to complete your Self Assessment return ahead of the 31 January deadline.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to register your new business online with HMRC so that you can complete a Self Assessment return.
HMRC also provide video guidance on how to register for Self Assessment if you are not self-employed.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/register-self-assessment-video
Links
Self Assessment tax return deadlines
Important deadline dates for your Self Assessment tax returns.
You must send your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on time. There are a number of deadlines for Self Assessment that you must keep in mind.
The last tax year started on 6 April 2023 and ended on 5 April 2024.
Self Assessment deadlines
Self Assessment type Deadline Register for Self Assessment if you're self-employed or a sole trader, not self-employed or registering a partner or partnership 11:59pm on Friday 5 October 2024 Paper tax returns 11:59pm on Thursday 31 October 2024 Online tax returns 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025 Pay the tax you owe 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025
There is usually a second payment deadline of 31 July if you make advance payments towards your bill, known as payments on account.If you fail to meet the deadline you may have to pay a penalty. You can appeal against a penalty if you have a reasonable excuse.
When the deadline is different
Submit your online return by 30 December if you want HMRC to automatically collect tax you owe from your wages and pension. You must be eligible.
HMRC must receive a paper tax return by 31 January if you're a trustee of a registered pension scheme or a non-resident company. You can't send a return online.
HMRC might also email or write to you giving you a different deadline.
Partnership returns if you have a company as a partner
If your partnership’s accounting date is between 1 February and 5 April and one of your partners is a limited company, the deadline for:
- online returns is 12 months from the accounting date
- paper returns is 9 months from the accounting date
2022 to 2023 tax year and earlier
The Self Assessment deadline for these tax years has passed. Send your tax return or payment as soon as possible - you’ll have to pay a penalty.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/self-assessment-tax-return-deadlines
Links
Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
How to complete and submit your Self Assessment tax return online
Watch this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video with simple guidance on how to fill in and submit your Self Assessment tax return. This video is particularly useful if you are completing your first Self Assessment tax return.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/complete-your-self-assessment-tax-return-video
Links
View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
How to view your online tax calculation for Self Assessment
When you use HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online tax return it automatically works out how much you have to pay by providing you with a result of your calculation.
View this short HMRC video explaining how to view your Self Assessment calculation:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/view-your-self-assessment-calculation-video
Links
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to pay your Self Assessment tax bill
Your tax bill refers to your bill for income tax and any Class 4 National Insurance contributions you may owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
View this short HMRC video explaining how you pay your Self Assessment tax bill including various payment methods and payment deadline dates:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/pay-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
Watch this video to find out more about how to appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty
You may face paying a penalty if you don't submit your Self Assessment tax return on time. You may also face a penalty if you don't pay the tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the appropriate deadline.
View this short HMRC video explaining the penalties that can be applied in the Self Assessment system and how you can appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/how-appeal-self-assessment-late-filing-penalty-video
Links
Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to budget and prepare for your Self Assessment tax bill
View this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining how you can budget and prepare ahead for your Self Assessment tax bill including how to use the Ready Reckoner tool for the self-employed and information on the budget payment plan:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/budget-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
Expenses you can claim if you’re self-employed and listing these in your tax return
If you are self-employed you may need to understand pre-trading expenses, day to day revenue expenses, capital allowances and using flat rates or simplified expenses. Access the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) self-employed business expenses e-learning tool.
You can also view this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining expenses you can claim if you're self-employed and how to account for these in your Self Assessment tax return:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/expenses-if-youre-self-employed-video
Links
If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
You must arrange to pay your tax bill with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you either miss a payment or know you cannot pay on time
Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as soon as possible if you:
- have missed a tax deadline
- know you will not be able to pay a tax bill on time
If you can pay your tax bill
If you are able to pay your tax bill in full, you should do so as soon as possible. This will stop more penalty charges and interest being added to your tax bill.
If you cannot pay your tax bill in full
Contact HMRC to discuss support available.
HMRC may suggest you pay what you owe in instalments. This is called a Time to Pay arrangement.
Pay what you owe in instalments (Time to Pay)
How you contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make a Time to Pay arrangement depends on what your tax bill is for.
If you cannot pay a Self Assessment tax bill
You can make your own Time to Pay arrangement using your Government Gateway account, if you:
- have filed your latest tax return
- owe less than £30,000
- are within 60 days of the payment deadline
- plan to pay your debt off within the next 12 months or less
If you cannot make your own Time to Pay arrangement online
Call the Self Assessment helpline if you cannot make your own Time to Pay Arrangement online, for example you owe more than £30,000 or need longer to pay.
Self Assessment Payment Helpline
Telephone: 0300 200 3822
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)If you cannot pay another type of tax
If you or your company has got a letter or a text message about unpaid tax, then use the contact details in it to ask about a Time to Pay arrangement.
If you’ve not had any contact from HMRC then call the Payment Support Service.
Payment Support Service
Telephone: 0300 200 3835
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)What you’ll need to make a Time to Pay arrangement
When you set up a Time to Pay arrangement you’ll need:
- the relevant reference number for the tax you cannot pay, such as your unique tax reference number
- your VAT registration number if you’re a business
- your bank account details
- details of any previous payments you’ve missed
HMRC will ask you:
- how much you can repay each month
- if you can pay in full
- if there are other taxes you need to pay
- how much money you earn
- what you usually spend (including bills and entertainment) each month
- what savings or investments you have
If you have savings or assets, HMRC will expect you to use these to reduce your debt as much as possible.
If you’ve received independent debt advice, for example from Citizens Advice, you may have a ‘Standard Financial Statement’. HMRC will accept this as evidence of what you earn and spend each month.
If your company is in tax debt
HMRC will discuss your company’s finances with you.
They’ll ask you to make a verbal proposal, explaining how you’ll pay your tax bill as quickly as you can. An adviser will ask questions about your proposal to make sure it is realistic and affordable for you.
You must reduce your debt as much as possible before entering into a Time to Pay arrangement. You can do this by releasing assets like stock, vehicles and shares.
HMRC may ask company directors to:
- put personal funds into the business
- accept lending
- extend credit
How HMRC works out your payments
The amount you’ll be asked to pay each month is based on the money you have left after you pay any rent, food or utility bills and fixed outgoings you have, like subscriptions.
You’ll usually be asked to pay around half of what you have left over each month towards the tax you owe.
If you get a pension HMRC will count that as income, but will not count the amount in your pension pot as savings.
You can also agree to pay more if you want. Paying your debt quicker means you’ll pay less in total, as interest is added to your bill each month.
How long your Time to Pay arrangement lasts
There is no time limit on how long a Time to Pay arrangement can last. How long yours will last depends on how much you owe and what you can afford to pay each month.
Contact HMRC if anything changes that you think affects your Time to Pay arrangement. The arrangement can be made longer or shorter.
If HMRC finds out that something has changed in your circumstances, they may contact you to discuss changing your repayments.
When you cannot pay in instalments
You cannot set up a Time to Pay arrangement if HMRC do not believe you will follow a repayment plan. For example, if you have not paid taxes in the past.
If HMRC cannot agree a payment plan with you, they’ll ask you to pay the amount you owe in full. They can collect unpaid tax directly if you refuse to pay.
After a Time to Pay arrangement has been agreed
If you miss a payment, HMRC will contact you to find out why. Where possible, HMRC will restore the payment arrangement or renegotiate it with you.
If you cannot pay another tax bill, contact HMRC. You may be able to include the new tax bill in your existing Time to Pay arrangement.
If you do not contact HMRC or refuse to pay
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will always try to contact you if you miss a tax payment. This can include sending you letters, texts and visiting you at home or at work.
If you do not get in contact with HMRC or cannot agree an instalment plan then HMRC may:
- ask a debt collection agency to collect the money
- collect what you owe directly from your wages or any monthly pension payments you get
- take things you own and sell them (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take money directly from your bank account or building society savings (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take you to court
- make you bankrupt
- close down your company if the tax is a business tax
Any costs, like auction fees, are normally added to your debt. HMRC will tell you before taking any of these actions and will explain your rights, costs and options.
Read more about actions HMRC can take to recover tax.
Help and advice
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can get free debt advice from Advice NI.
Making a complaint
You cannot appeal against HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) decision, but you can make a complaint if you’re unhappy about how you were treated.
Also on this sitePrimary parentContent category
Source URL
/content/if-you-cannot-pay-your-tax-bill-time
Links
Stop being self-employed (video)
Step-by-step video guide to stopping your Self Assessment online if you're self-employed
You must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you’ve stopped trading as a sole trader or you’re ending or leaving a business partnership.
You’ll also need to send a final tax return.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to go online and stop Self Assessment if you're self-employed:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/stop-being-self-employed-video
Links
View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
In this guide:
- Understanding Self Assessment and your tax return
- Register for Self Assessment (video)
- Self Assessment tax return deadlines
- Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
- View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
- Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
- Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
- Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
- If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
- Stop being self-employed (video)
Register for Self Assessment (video)
How to register with HM Revenue & Customs for Self Assessment
You will need to register for Self Assessment with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you have to send a tax return but didn't send one the previous year.
Self Assessment registration process time
You should note that it can take up to 20 working days to complete the registration process. You should take this into consideration to give yourself plenty of time to complete your Self Assessment return ahead of the 31 January deadline.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to register your new business online with HMRC so that you can complete a Self Assessment return.
HMRC also provide video guidance on how to register for Self Assessment if you are not self-employed.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/register-self-assessment-video
Links
Self Assessment tax return deadlines
Important deadline dates for your Self Assessment tax returns.
You must send your Self Assessment tax return and pay any tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on time. There are a number of deadlines for Self Assessment that you must keep in mind.
The last tax year started on 6 April 2023 and ended on 5 April 2024.
Self Assessment deadlines
Self Assessment type Deadline Register for Self Assessment if you're self-employed or a sole trader, not self-employed or registering a partner or partnership 11:59pm on Friday 5 October 2024 Paper tax returns 11:59pm on Thursday 31 October 2024 Online tax returns 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025 Pay the tax you owe 11:59pm on Friday 31 January 2025
There is usually a second payment deadline of 31 July if you make advance payments towards your bill, known as payments on account.If you fail to meet the deadline you may have to pay a penalty. You can appeal against a penalty if you have a reasonable excuse.
When the deadline is different
Submit your online return by 30 December if you want HMRC to automatically collect tax you owe from your wages and pension. You must be eligible.
HMRC must receive a paper tax return by 31 January if you're a trustee of a registered pension scheme or a non-resident company. You can't send a return online.
HMRC might also email or write to you giving you a different deadline.
Partnership returns if you have a company as a partner
If your partnership’s accounting date is between 1 February and 5 April and one of your partners is a limited company, the deadline for:
- online returns is 12 months from the accounting date
- paper returns is 9 months from the accounting date
2022 to 2023 tax year and earlier
The Self Assessment deadline for these tax years has passed. Send your tax return or payment as soon as possible - you’ll have to pay a penalty.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/self-assessment-tax-return-deadlines
Links
Complete your Self Assessment tax return (video)
How to complete and submit your Self Assessment tax return online
Watch this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video with simple guidance on how to fill in and submit your Self Assessment tax return. This video is particularly useful if you are completing your first Self Assessment tax return.
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/complete-your-self-assessment-tax-return-video
Links
View your Self Assessment calculation (video)
How to view your online tax calculation for Self Assessment
When you use HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online tax return it automatically works out how much you have to pay by providing you with a result of your calculation.
View this short HMRC video explaining how to view your Self Assessment calculation:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/view-your-self-assessment-calculation-video
Links
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to pay your Self Assessment tax bill
Your tax bill refers to your bill for income tax and any Class 4 National Insurance contributions you may owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
View this short HMRC video explaining how you pay your Self Assessment tax bill including various payment methods and payment deadline dates:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/pay-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
How to appeal a Self Assessment late filing penalty (video)
Watch this video to find out more about how to appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty
You may face paying a penalty if you don't submit your Self Assessment tax return on time. You may also face a penalty if you don't pay the tax you owe to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the appropriate deadline.
View this short HMRC video explaining the penalties that can be applied in the Self Assessment system and how you can appeal against a Self Assessment late filing penalty:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/how-appeal-self-assessment-late-filing-penalty-video
Links
Budget for your Self Assessment tax bill (video)
How to budget and prepare for your Self Assessment tax bill
View this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining how you can budget and prepare ahead for your Self Assessment tax bill including how to use the Ready Reckoner tool for the self-employed and information on the budget payment plan:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/budget-your-self-assessment-tax-bill-video
Links
Expenses if you’re self-employed (video)
Expenses you can claim if you’re self-employed and listing these in your tax return
If you are self-employed you may need to understand pre-trading expenses, day to day revenue expenses, capital allowances and using flat rates or simplified expenses. Access the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) self-employed business expenses e-learning tool.
You can also view this short HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) video explaining expenses you can claim if you're self-employed and how to account for these in your Self Assessment tax return:
Developed withAlso on this siteContent categorySelect subtypeVideo
Source URL
/content/expenses-if-youre-self-employed-video
Links
If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
You must arrange to pay your tax bill with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you either miss a payment or know you cannot pay on time
Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as soon as possible if you:
- have missed a tax deadline
- know you will not be able to pay a tax bill on time
If you can pay your tax bill
If you are able to pay your tax bill in full, you should do so as soon as possible. This will stop more penalty charges and interest being added to your tax bill.
If you cannot pay your tax bill in full
Contact HMRC to discuss support available.
HMRC may suggest you pay what you owe in instalments. This is called a Time to Pay arrangement.
Pay what you owe in instalments (Time to Pay)
How you contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make a Time to Pay arrangement depends on what your tax bill is for.
If you cannot pay a Self Assessment tax bill
You can make your own Time to Pay arrangement using your Government Gateway account, if you:
- have filed your latest tax return
- owe less than £30,000
- are within 60 days of the payment deadline
- plan to pay your debt off within the next 12 months or less
If you cannot make your own Time to Pay arrangement online
Call the Self Assessment helpline if you cannot make your own Time to Pay Arrangement online, for example you owe more than £30,000 or need longer to pay.
Self Assessment Payment Helpline
Telephone: 0300 200 3822
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)If you cannot pay another type of tax
If you or your company has got a letter or a text message about unpaid tax, then use the contact details in it to ask about a Time to Pay arrangement.
If you’ve not had any contact from HMRC then call the Payment Support Service.
Payment Support Service
Telephone: 0300 200 3835
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)What you’ll need to make a Time to Pay arrangement
When you set up a Time to Pay arrangement you’ll need:
- the relevant reference number for the tax you cannot pay, such as your unique tax reference number
- your VAT registration number if you’re a business
- your bank account details
- details of any previous payments you’ve missed
HMRC will ask you:
- how much you can repay each month
- if you can pay in full
- if there are other taxes you need to pay
- how much money you earn
- what you usually spend (including bills and entertainment) each month
- what savings or investments you have
If you have savings or assets, HMRC will expect you to use these to reduce your debt as much as possible.
If you’ve received independent debt advice, for example from Citizens Advice, you may have a ‘Standard Financial Statement’. HMRC will accept this as evidence of what you earn and spend each month.
If your company is in tax debt
HMRC will discuss your company’s finances with you.
They’ll ask you to make a verbal proposal, explaining how you’ll pay your tax bill as quickly as you can. An adviser will ask questions about your proposal to make sure it is realistic and affordable for you.
You must reduce your debt as much as possible before entering into a Time to Pay arrangement. You can do this by releasing assets like stock, vehicles and shares.
HMRC may ask company directors to:
- put personal funds into the business
- accept lending
- extend credit
How HMRC works out your payments
The amount you’ll be asked to pay each month is based on the money you have left after you pay any rent, food or utility bills and fixed outgoings you have, like subscriptions.
You’ll usually be asked to pay around half of what you have left over each month towards the tax you owe.
If you get a pension HMRC will count that as income, but will not count the amount in your pension pot as savings.
You can also agree to pay more if you want. Paying your debt quicker means you’ll pay less in total, as interest is added to your bill each month.
How long your Time to Pay arrangement lasts
There is no time limit on how long a Time to Pay arrangement can last. How long yours will last depends on how much you owe and what you can afford to pay each month.
Contact HMRC if anything changes that you think affects your Time to Pay arrangement. The arrangement can be made longer or shorter.
If HMRC finds out that something has changed in your circumstances, they may contact you to discuss changing your repayments.
When you cannot pay in instalments
You cannot set up a Time to Pay arrangement if HMRC do not believe you will follow a repayment plan. For example, if you have not paid taxes in the past.
If HMRC cannot agree a payment plan with you, they’ll ask you to pay the amount you owe in full. They can collect unpaid tax directly if you refuse to pay.
After a Time to Pay arrangement has been agreed
If you miss a payment, HMRC will contact you to find out why. Where possible, HMRC will restore the payment arrangement or renegotiate it with you.
If you cannot pay another tax bill, contact HMRC. You may be able to include the new tax bill in your existing Time to Pay arrangement.
If you do not contact HMRC or refuse to pay
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will always try to contact you if you miss a tax payment. This can include sending you letters, texts and visiting you at home or at work.
If you do not get in contact with HMRC or cannot agree an instalment plan then HMRC may:
- ask a debt collection agency to collect the money
- collect what you owe directly from your wages or any monthly pension payments you get
- take things you own and sell them (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take money directly from your bank account or building society savings (if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- take you to court
- make you bankrupt
- close down your company if the tax is a business tax
Any costs, like auction fees, are normally added to your debt. HMRC will tell you before taking any of these actions and will explain your rights, costs and options.
Read more about actions HMRC can take to recover tax.
Help and advice
If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can get free debt advice from Advice NI.
Making a complaint
You cannot appeal against HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) decision, but you can make a complaint if you’re unhappy about how you were treated.
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Stop being self-employed (video)
Step-by-step video guide to stopping your Self Assessment online if you're self-employed
You must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you’ve stopped trading as a sole trader or you’re ending or leaving a business partnership.
You’ll also need to send a final tax return.
Watch this short HMRC video explaining how to go online and stop Self Assessment if you're self-employed:
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