How to pay Self Assessment (and prove you paid)

When Self Assessment tax is due

The main Self Assessment payment deadline is normally 31 January. This covers any balancing payment for the previous tax year and, where relevant, your first payment on account. A second payment on account is normally due by 31 July.

Ways to pay HMRC

HMRC supports several payment methods, including online bank payment, Faster Payments, CHAPS, debit or corporate credit card, Direct Debit, Bacs and cheque. The fastest methods are usually same day or next day, while Direct Debit and Bacs can take several working days.

Use the official GOV.UK Self Assessment payment service or your HMRC online account, and check the processing time before the deadline.

Use the right payment reference

The payment reference matters because it tells HMRC which taxpayer and which account to allocate the payment to. Before paying, check the reference shown in your HMRC online account, statement or payslip.

If a client pays from a business bank account or a joint account, we still recommend saving the confirmation against the taxpayer's Self Assessment records so it is easy to prove later.

How to prove you paid

• Save the bank confirmation or card receipt.
• Record the amount, date, payment method and HMRC reference used.
• Check your HMRC online account after the expected processing time.
• Keep proof with your tax return records for the year.

If you cannot pay in full

Do not ignore the deadline. File the return, pay what you can, and speak to HMRC or your accountant about the next step. Depending on the circumstances, a Time to Pay arrangement may be available.

For official payment methods and processing times, see GOV.UK guidance on paying your Self Assessment bill.