How to Pay HMRC

By understanding the payment options and deadlines, you can effectively manage your tax liabilities and avoid any potential penalties or interest charges. If you face difficulties, proactively contacting HMRC and seeking advice can help you navigate the situation more smoothly.

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) collects various types of taxes in the UK, including Self Assessment, VAT, and Corporation Tax. Understanding how to pay these taxes, the different payment methods available, and the respective deadlines is crucial for staying compliant. This comprehensive guide will detail the payment processes for each department, the rules, deadlines, and what to do if you have difficulty paying your tax in full.

How to Pay Self Assessment Tax

Payment Methods

  1. Online or Telephone Banking (Faster Payments)

    • Sort Code: 08 32 10

    • Account Number: 12001004

    • Account Name: HMRC Cumbernauld

    • Reference: Your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) followed by the letter ‘K’

  2. Direct Debit

    • You can set up a Direct Debit through your HMRC online account. Make sure to allow five working days for the setup.

  3. Debit or Credit Card Online

    • Payments can be made via the HMRC website. Note that there may be a fee for credit card payments.

  4. At Your Bank or Building Society

    • Use your paying-in slip to make payments at your bank or building society.

  5. Cheque by Post

    • Make your cheque payable to ‘HM Revenue and Customs only’ followed by your UTR. Send it to:

      • HMRC, Direct, BX5 5BD, United Kingdom

Deadlines

  • 31 January: Payment of any tax owed for the previous tax year and the first payment on account for the current tax year.

  • 31 July: The second payment on account for the current tax year.

How to Pay VAT

Payment Methods

  1. Online or Telephone Banking (Faster Payments, CHAPS, BACS)

    • Sort Code: 08 32 10

    • Account Number: 12001039

    • Account Name: HMRC VAT

    • Reference: Your 9-digit VAT registration number

  2. Direct Debit

    • Set up through your HMRC VAT online account. Ensure setup is done at least three working days before the deadline.

  3. Debit or Corporate Credit Card Online

    • Payments can be made on the HMRC website. Note that there may be a fee for credit card payments.

  4. At Your Bank or Building Society

    • Use the paying-in slip from your VAT return to make payments.

  5. Cheque by Post

    • Make your cheque payable to ‘HM Revenue and Customs only’ followed by your VAT registration number. Send it to:

      • HMRC, Direct, BX5 5BD, United Kingdom

Deadlines

  • One calendar month and seven days after the end of your VAT accounting period: This is the deadline for submitting your VAT return and making your payment.

How to Pay Corporation Tax

Payment Methods

  1. Online or Telephone Banking (Faster Payments, CHAPS, BACS)

    • Sort Code: 08 32 10

    • Account Number: 12001004

    • Account Name: HMRC Cumbernauld

    • Reference: Your 17-character Corporation Tax payslip reference (ending with the letter ‘K’)

  2. Direct Debit

    • Set up through your HMRC Corporation Tax online account. Allow at least three working days for the setup.

  3. Debit or Corporate Credit Card Online

    • Payments can be made via the HMRC website. Note that there may be a fee for credit card payments.

  4. Cheque by Post

    • Make your cheque payable to ‘HM Revenue and Customs only’ followed by your Corporation Tax payslip reference. Send it to:

      • HMRC, Direct, BX5 5BD, United Kingdom

Deadlines

  • Nine months and one day after the end of your accounting period: This is the deadline for paying your Corporation Tax.

How to Find How Much You Have Paid HMRC

You can access your payment records through your HMRC online account. This allows you to see your payment history, outstanding balances, and any upcoming payments due. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Log in to your HMRC online account: Use your Government Gateway user ID and password.

  2. Navigate to the relevant section: Depending on the type of tax, go to the Self Assessment, VAT, or Corporation Tax section.

  3. View payment records: Check the payment history and any balances due.

What to Do If You Have Difficulties Paying Your Tax in Full

If you’re having trouble paying your tax in full, HMRC offers several options:

  1. Time to Pay Arrangements

    • HMRC may allow you to spread your payments over a longer period. Contact HMRC as soon as possible to discuss your situation and apply for a Time to Pay arrangement.

  2. Contacting HMRC

    • Self Assessment Helpline: 0300 200 3310

    • VAT Helpline: 0300 200 3700

    • Corporation Tax Helpline: 0300 200 3410

  3. Seek Professional Advice

    • Consider speaking to a tax advisor or accountant to explore your options and get tailored advice.

Conclusion

Paying your taxes on time and understanding the various methods to do so is crucial for staying compliant with HMRC regulations. Whether it’s Self Assessment, VAT, or Corporation Tax, this guide has outlined the payment methods, deadlines, and what to do if you encounter difficulties. Always ensure you have access to your payment records and seek assistance promptly if you find yourself unable to meet your tax obligations.

Other HMRC Articles

Can I Get a Copy of my P45 from HMRC?

Can I Get a Copy of my P60 from HMRC?

Do HMRC Call You?

Do I Need to Declare Cash Gifts to HMRC UK?

Do I Need to Notify HMRC of Savings Interest?

How Far Back Can HMRC Investigate?

How Long Do You Need to Keep Records for HMRC?

How to Change Address with HMRC

How to Contact HMRC

How to Pay HMRC

What are the Chances of Being Investigated by HMRC?

What is HMRC?

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