How do I pay my Self Assessment tax bill?
Pay HMRC by the deadline using online bank approval, online or telephone banking, CHAPS, a debit or corporate credit card, or at your bank. These usually take the same or next day. Bacs and an existing Direct Debit take 3 working days, and a new Direct Debit takes 5.
Figures checked against gov.uk on . General information, not tax advice.
At a glance
- Same or next day
- Online banking, Faster Payments, CHAPS, debit or corporate credit card, at your bank
- 3 working days
- Bacs; Direct Debit already set up with HMRC
- 5 working days
- Direct Debit not set up before
Allow for the weekend
gov.uk says that if the deadline falls on a weekend or bank holiday, your payment must reach HMRC by the last working day before it, unless you pay by Faster Payments or by debit or credit card. The Post Office no longer accepts payments, and cheques by post have no stated processing time, so they are the slowest route to rely on.
Do not leave it to the last day
gov.uk warns that online payment services can be slow at busy times and suggests checking for outages before you pay. Late payments incur interest and may bring a penalty, so aim to pay a few days early.
If the amount is more than you can pay, set up a payment plan rather than letting the deadline pass.