How do I pay my self-assessment tax bill?
Answered 11 March 2026
I was unable to find dedicated HMRC guidance specifically on Self Assessment payment methods in the retrieved sources. The available materials relate primarily to VAT payment methods and general Self Assessment processes. However, I can provide a partial answer based on what the sources do contain, and signpost you appropriately.
How to Pay Your Self Assessment Tax Bill
HMRC Guidance / Practice
The retrieved sources do not contain a dedicated Self Assessment payment methods guide. However, based on what is available:
When to pay: Your Self Assessment tax bill must be paid by 31 January following the end of the tax year. Interest is charged from 1 February on any outstanding liabilities, and a 5% late payment penalty applies if tax remains outstanding after a further period.
If you cannot pay in full: You may be able to set up an affordable Time to Pay arrangement, allowing you to pay in instalments over time. Interest will still be charged, but penalties may be avoided if the arrangement is set up promptly and you keep to its terms. You can search for 'difficulties paying HMRC' on GOV.UK.
General HMRC payment methods (referenced across HMRC guidance for tax bills generally) include:
- Approving a payment through your online bank account
- Online or telephone banking, CHAPS or Bacs
- Debit or corporate credit card online
- At your bank or building society
- Standing order
- Direct Debit
⚠️ Note: The payment methods listed above are drawn from HMRC guidance on VAT and instalment payments — the sources retrieved do not include the specific Self Assessment "Pay your Self Assessment tax bill" GOV.UK guide. For the definitive and up-to-date Self Assessment payment instructions, including HMRC's bank details and a step-by-step guide, please visit GOV.UK and search "Pay your Self Assessment tax bill".
Citation sources
You must pay all your payments using one of the following methods: approve a payment through your online bank account online or telephone banking, CHAPS or Bacs by debit or corporate credit card online at your bank or building society standing order For more details on payment methods read Pay your VAT bill.
yment details, submitting your return and paying anything you owe. You can ask questions throughout using the on-screen text box. Register here These short videos, available on HMRC’s YouTube channel, are part of a series to help you with your tax return: • Class 2 National Insurance contributions and your Self Assessment tax return • Viewing your Self Assessment tax return calculation • How do I pay my Self Assessment tax bill? If you can’t pay in full These are difficult times and we know that m
The payment options available are: Direct Debit Approve a Payment Through Your Online Bank Account Pay HMRC by a Bank Transfer Pay Online by a Debit or Corporate Credit Card At Your Bank or Building Society Standing Order Use pay your VAT bill for information on these methods.