Paying Your Tax Bill and Getting Refunds

If you've overpaid tax, you may be entitled to a refund from HMRC. The process for claiming back what you're owed depends on your circumstances — whether you've stopped working, paid too much through PAYE, or have overpaid on a Self Assessment tax bill. This guide explains how to claim your money...

5 min read

Paying your Self Assessment tax bill on time is crucial to avoid interest and penalties. You have several payment options available, from same-day methods like online banking to weekly or monthly instalments. Understanding the deadlines and how long each payment method takes will help you pay HMRC...

5 min read

If you're struggling to pay your tax bill, it's important to act quickly. HMRC offers payment plans that let you pay in instalments, but you must contact them before taking enforcement action. This article explains your options, how to set up a Time to Pay arrangement, and wha...

6 min read

If you're a sole trader, landlord, or earn income outside PAYE, you may be asked to make 'payments on account' — advance payments towards your next tax bill. These can catch people by surprise, especially in your second year of Self Assessment, when you're paying for both last year and next year at...

4 min read

Simple Assessment is HMRC's way of collecting Income Tax you owe without you having to complete a Self Assessment tax return. If HMRC sends you a Simple Assessment letter, you must check the figures and pay by the deadline shown. This article explains when you might receive one, how to check your...

5 min read

It's surprisingly common to pay the wrong amount of tax during the year — whether through incorrect tax codes, changing jobs, or starting a pension. HMRC has processes to identify these discrepancies and will contact you to either refund what you're owed or collect what you owe.

4 min read

When you file your Self Assessment tax return, HMRC sends you two important documents: a Self Assessment statement (your bill) and a tax calculation (known as an SA302). Understanding what these documents show — and the difference between them — is essential to making sure you pay the right amount...

6 min read