Can I pay my Self Assessment bill in instalments?
You may be able to set up a payment plan with HMRC to pay what you owe in instalments. HMRC will check whether the plan is affordable for you. If you cannot agree a payment plan, HMRC will ask you to pay the amount you owe in full.
Figures checked against gov.uk on . General information, not tax advice.
How the arrangement works
The scheme is often called Time to Pay. gov.uk's page on difficulties paying HMRC says only that you may be able to pay in instalments and that HMRC checks affordability, so a plan is not automatic. Further details are on the plan pages that gov.uk links to, which are worth reading before you apply.
Why to act before the deadline
A plan covers the payment, not the return. The late filing penalties start the day after the filing deadline regardless, so file on time even when you cannot pay.
Late payment penalties of 5% start 30 days after the payment deadline, so speaking to HMRC early limits how much extra you pay while interest runs on the unpaid amount.