How to Log In to Your HMRC Self Assessment Account and Pay Your Tax
A simple guide to accessing your HMRC online account, finding your UTR, and paying your Self Assessment tax bill on time.
Important timing note
If your tax return has been submitted in the past two weeks, you may need to wait a bit longer for HMRC to process the tax return and update the amounts requested.
What you'll need to sign in
Before you log in, have your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and your Government Gateway user ID and password ready. Your UTR is a 10-digit number HMRC sent you when you registered for Self Assessment.
If you've never used HMRC online before, you'll need to create a Government Gateway account first and then enrol for Self Assessment using your UTR. HMRC will post you an activation code to complete the enrolment.
How to make a payment
Once you're signed in, go to the Self Assessment section where HMRC shows the tax owed and any payments on account. You can then choose to pay by debit card, bank transfer, Direct Debit, cheque, or another accepted method.
If you prefer, you can also make a payment directly through the GOV.UK Pay your Self Assessment tax bill service — though signing in confirms the exact amount HMRC is expecting and lets you check your record.
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill on GOV.UKKey payment deadlines
The main balancing payment deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year. If you make payments on account, the next instalment is due on 31 July.
Missing these dates means interest from the due date and potentially late-payment penalties, so it's worth logging in as soon as you have your UTR and figures to hand.
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Common Questions
What if I can't remember my Government Gateway login?
You can recover your user ID or reset your password on the GOV.UK sign-in page. If your account is completely locked and recovery doesn't work, you may need to create a new Government Gateway account and re-enrol for Self Assessment using your UTR.
Where do I find my UTR number?
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is on the letter HMRC sent when you registered for Self Assessment, on any SA250 statement, and on previous tax returns. You can also find it in your HMRC online account. If it's lost, see our guide to finding your UTR.
Can I pay my Self Assessment bill by Direct Debit?
Yes. Once signed in to your HMRC Self Assessment account, you can set up a Direct Debit. HMRC will then collect the balancing payment automatically on 31 January (and payments on account on 31 January and 31 July if they apply).
Do I need to wait after filing my tax return before paying?
Usually you can pay as soon as you know the amount due. However, if your tax return was submitted in the past two weeks, HMRC may still be processing it and the exact amount requested might not be updated yet.
What if I can't afford to pay the full amount?
Don't ignore the bill. Contact HMRC as soon as possible to discuss a Time to Pay arrangement. You may be able to spread the cost over manageable monthly instalments, although interest usually applies.
Need help with your Self Assessment?
Our Brentwood-based team can help you log in, check what HMRC is asking for, and make sure your tax bill is paid on time. Get in touch for a free call.