More help with self-assessment tax bills
If you haven’t paid what you owe within 30 days of the filing date of your self-assessment return for that year, you’ll be charged a penalty. The good news is that HMRC has relaxed this rule for the 2019/20 tax year. What’s the full story?

HMRC has today (19 February) announced that self-assessment taxpayers won’t be charged the automatic 5% late payment penalty if they pay what they owe for 2019/20 or set up a payment plan by 1 April 2021.
Normally, a 5% late payment penalty is charged on any unpaid tax that is still outstanding on 3 March following the end of the tax year. But this year, because of the impact of the pandemic, HMRC is giving taxpayers more time to pay or set up a payment plan.
Note that HMRC will stick to the normal rule of charging interest at 2.6% per annum for all self-assessment bills not paid on time.
You can pay your tax bill or set up a monthly payment plan here. You need to do this by midnight on 1 April to prevent being charged a late payment penalty.
Related Topics
-
HMRC to raid bank accounts for unpaid tax
HMRC is restarting the use of direct debt recovery for individuals and businesses who choose not to pay the tax they owe despite having the means to do so. Who’s in the firing line?
-
Mortgage interest: don’t miss out on unused relief!
You own a buy-to-let property and need to report your profits for 2024/25. You have a mortgage, but your calculations show that the tax reducer will exceed the rental profit. Will the excess go to waste?
-
When should you submit a protective claim to HMRC?
Your business has charged VAT on some sales but a recent tribunal decision has indicated that the goods are zero-rated according to the law. Should you submit a claim to HMRC for a rebate on your past sales?