Self-assessment: Deferral of tax payment

The following information is based on the information publishes as of 26 March.

The UK government is supporting businesses during the coronavirus pandemic by deferring Self assessment payments on account, with the usual due date of 31 July 2020. You will now have until 31 January 2021 to make the payment.

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Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible if you are due to pay your second self-assessment payment on account on 31 July. You do not need to be self-employed to be eligible for the deferment. (You can be part employed, part Self-employed).

The deferment is optional. If you are still able to pay your second payment on account on 31 July you should do so.

How Can I Access It

This is an automatic offer with no applications required. No penalties or interest for late payment will be charged if you defer payment until January 2021.

If you’re in temporary financial distress because of COVID-19 more help is available from HMRC’s Time to Pay scheme.

Time to Pay

If you are behind with the payment of January 2020 bill for Self-assesment return you may consider furhter help through HMRC 'Time to Pay' Scheme.

Important Note

If someone texts, calls or emails claiming to be from HMRC, saying that you can claim financial help or are owed a tax refund, and asks you to click on a link or to give information such as your name, credit card or bank details, it is a SCAM.