HMRC issues 'pay your bill' deadline warning as letters sent out to taxpayers

HMRC has issued a warning to people who have received a Simple Assessment letter - with the deadline rapidly looming.

Simple Assessment is a way for HMRC to collect underpayments of tax from people with relatively straightforward tax affairs. People might have received a Simple Assessment letter if they owe Income Tax that cannot be automatically taken out of their income, owe HMRC £3,000 or more, or have to pay tax on their State Pension.

HMRC posted a warning on X, formerly Twitter, stating: "If you or someone you know received a Simple Assessment letter, you’ll need to pay your tax bill by 31 January 2025, or three months from the date of issue of the letter, whichever is later."

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Brits who received a Simple Assessment letter before October 31 2024 (for the 6 April 2023 to 5 April 2024 tax year) must pay what they owe by 31 January 2025.

And those who received their letter on or after October 31 (for the 6 April 2023 to 5 April 2024 or any earlier tax year) must pay what they owe within three months of the date of the letter.

People who owe HMRC can choose to pay online, pay by cheque or pay by bank transfer and there is a full page of guidance online.

If you cannot pay your Simple Assessment bill on time, you can contact HMRC. They may suggest you pay what you owe in instalments. You’ll need to provide your National Insurance number as well as your UK bank account details.

And if you think any information in the letter is wrong, you must contact HMRC within 60 days of receiving your letter.