HMRC introduces digital changes ahead of Self Assessment deadline
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced new digital services to help Self Assessment customers manage their tax payments more easily as the second Payments on Account deadline approaches on 31 July 2025.
The improvements, set out in HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap published on 21 July, include enhanced registration and opt-out processes for Self Assessment, clearer on-screen messages to reassure users, and better online systems for appealing late filing and payment penalties.
HMRC expects over 12 million people to file a tax return this year and pay any tax owed, many spreading their payments through instalments known as Payments on Account. These instalments allow taxpayers to pay half the amount owed from the previous year in two parts.
James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“The government is modernising the service that HMRC offers for British people and businesses. Our new payment plans for Self Assessment will save people time and effort with their tax affairs and help them avoid making mistakes. This new service forms part of our recently published HMRC Transformation Roadmap. We are going further and faster to reform HMRC, to make life easier for taxpayers and help deliver the economic growth at the heart of the Plan for Change.”
HMRC encourages customers to file their 2024 to 2025 tax return early, alongside their Payment on Account, to understand their tax liability sooner and explore flexible payment options before the 31 January 2026 deadline. Early filing can also speed up any tax refunds due.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
“Filing your tax return early, making payments on account and setting up a manageable payment plan are three simple steps you can take to help stay in control of your tax affairs, so why not tick off all these at once? The deadline for the next Payments on Account is due and it’s the ideal opportunity to file your next tax return early and get a big chunk of tax admin crossed off your to do list.”
Paying on time avoids penalties and interest charges, which HMRC applies from the day after the deadline. Payments can be made securely at any time using the HMRC app, which also allows customers to check their tax account, view payment history, and manage payment plans. More payment options are detailed on GOV.UK.
To help customers spread the cost, HMRC offers Budget Payment Plans that allow regular weekly or monthly payments towards their tax bill, even before filing a return.
Anyone who thinks they may need to file a return for 2024 to 2025 can check eligibility on GOV.UK. New Self Assessment registrants must register by 5 October 2025 to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference before filing. Customers must also inform HMRC by 31 January 2026 if they think they do not need to file, to avoid penalties.
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