65k customers use HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment bill

Almost 65,000 customers have paid their Self Assessment bills, totalling nearly £67 million, via the HMRC app since April 2022, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

by | 17 Jan, 2023

In December 2022, 14,170 customers paid via the app — the highest number of app payments in one month since the facility was launched in February 2022.

The Self Assessment deadline for the 2021–22 tax year is 31 January and HMRC is urging customers not to delay completing their tax return and paying any tax owed.

Customers are encouraged to check online for help before calling HMRC during what is the busiest time of the year.

Customers who are unable to pay what they owe in full may be able to set up a payment plan, allowing them to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments.

Since April 2022, 45,600 Self Assessment customers have set up a Time to Pay arrangement. In December, around 10,500 customers set up a plan, totalling more than £36 million in tax.

A full range of payment options is listed on GOV.UK.

For customers who pay their current estimated tax bill via payment on account, the first instalment for the 2022–23 tax year is due on 31 January.

Anyone who files their tax return or pays any tax owed after 31 January may face a penalty.

HMRC will treat those with genuine excuses leniently as it focuses on those who persistently fail to complete their tax returns and deliberate tax evaders. Customers who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse before the 31 January deadline can avoid a penalty after this date. The penalties for filing a tax return late are:

  • An initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay or if the tax due is paid on time
  • After three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
  • After six months, a further penalty of 5 per cent of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
  • After 12 months, another 5 per cent or £300 charge, whichever is greater
  • There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5 per cent of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months.
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