Customers must file their tax return online but they do not have very long
A HMRC tax alert has been issued. HM Revenue and Customs has encouraged people to use one tool ahead of an essential Self Assessment deadline on January 31 – in 18 days. The office previously stated that more than seven million people were using this method as of 2025, up from five million the year before.
In a message to the public, Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “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. Search ‘download the HMRC app’ on GOV.UK to access the app and make your Self Assessment payment.”
Today, HMRC revealed that almost 340,000 people have used the HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment tax since April 6, 2025, an increase of 132,788 people compared to the same period last year.
Self Assessment customers must file their tax return online for the 2024-2025 tax year and settle any owed tax by January 31, 2026. Missing this deadline may result in an automatic £100 penalty.
Anyone who cannot pay their full tax debt may qualify for a Time To Pay arrangement, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and owe less than £30,000.
Other payment options include paying directly through a bank account, via direct debit, or online through GOV.UK. A complete list of all payment methods is available on GOV.UK.
Advice from HMRC adds: “Customers who need assistance to complete their Self Assessment can access support and guidance online 24/7, including YouTube videos, webinars, digital assistant and step-by-step guidance covering different sections of a tax return. Most queries can be resolved online.
“Customers who need to speak to an adviser can call HMRC, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Phone lines close on Friday 30 January and reopen on Monday 2 February – after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January. On Saturday 31 January, HMRC will offer webchat support through its Online Services Helpdesk.”
Guidance on the tax office’s website further states that you can use the HMRC app to check your:
- Tax code
- National Insurance number
- Income and benefits
- Employment and income history from the previous five years
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) for Self Assessment
- Self-Assessment tax and how much you owe
- Child Benefit
- State Pension forecast
- Gaps in National Insurance contributions
You can also use it to:
- Track forms and letters you have sent
- Claim a refund if you have paid too much tax
- Ask HMRC’s digital assistant for help and information
- Update your name
- Update your address
- Save your National Insurance number to your digital wallet
- Check for gaps in your National Insurance contributions and the benefits of paying them
- Check if you can make a payment for gaps in your National Insurance contributions
- Choose to be contacted by HMRC electronically, instead of by letter
- Get an estimate of the tax you need to pay
- Make a Self-Assessment payment
- Make a Simple Assessment payment
- Set a reminder to make a Self-Assessment payment
- Access your Help to Save account
- Use our tax calculator to work out your take-home pay after Income Tax and National Insurance deductions
The HMRC app is available for free on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Once a personal ID is created, users can generally access the app by signing in with either a six-digit pin, fingerprint or facial recognition.
For more information, visit GOV.UK here.
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