HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a stark warning to Self Assessment taxpayers: anyone who fails to meet the looming 31 January 2026 deadline will face an automatic £100 penalty.
Surge in Digital Tax Payments
The tax authority has revealed a significant shift towards digital payments, with nearly 340,000 people using the official HMRC app to settle their tax bill since 6 April 2025. This marks a dramatic increase of 132,788 people, representing a jump of almost 65 per cent compared to the same period last year.
With the deadline now less than a month away, HMRC is intensifying its campaign to encourage the estimated 12 million individuals required to file to act immediately. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, stated: “The Self Assessment deadline is less than one month away, and thousands of people have already paid their tax bill via the HMRC app. It is quick and easy to do, and you can also see your payment history.”
How to File and Pay Your Tax
Taxpayers must file their online return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and pay any money owed by midnight on 31 January 2026. HMRC strongly recommends using its app, which allows users to pay directly and set up payment reminders. The process is designed to be straightforward, and filing early provides clarity on the exact amount due.
For those unable to pay their full tax bill, HMRC may offer a solution. Individuals who owe less than £30,000 and meet eligibility criteria can apply to set up a Time To Pay arrangement, spreading the cost into manageable monthly instalments.
Alternative Payment Methods
While the app is the fastest-growing method, HMRC continues to offer several other ways to pay. These include:
- Direct payment via online banking
- Direct Debit
- Payment through the GOV.UK website
A complete list of all available payment options can be found on the official GOV.UK website.
The core message from HMRC remains urgent and clear. A spokesperson told Birmingham Live: “Anyone who misses the deadline could be subject to an automatic £100 penalty.” Taxpayers are urged to visit GOV.UK without delay to start their return and avoid the fine.
