How to Pay HMRC in 2026: Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE & Payment on Account – Complete Guide 2026
Yes — you can pay HMRC for Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and other taxes quickly and securely online, by bank transfer, debit/credit card, Direct Debit or other methods. The key is always using the correct payment reference (UTR-based for Self Assessment and Corporation Tax) so your payment is allocated instantly and you avoid late-payment interest or penalties.
Updated March 2026: HMRC has streamlined online payments via the Government Gateway and the HMRC app, but the reference rules remain strict. You can make most payments without logging into your full HMRC account if you already have the correct reference number (via online banking), but logging in is strongly recommended to view the exact amount and reference and to get instant confirmation.
At Filing Accounts, we help hundreds of clients every month make accurate HMRC payments for Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE — avoiding costly mistakes. Contact us today for fast help with your tax payments or full filing support.
What Is a UTR Number and Why Is It Important for HMRC Payments?
The Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC that identifies you (or your company) for tax purposes.
- Self Assessment (personal tax): Use your 10-digit UTR followed by the letter K = 11-character payment reference.
- Corporation Tax (limited company): Use your 10-digit UTR + specific period codes = 17-character payment reference.
You can find your UTR:
- In your HMRC online account (Government Gateway)
- On previous tax returns, SA302 or CT603 notices
- On any HMRC correspondence or payslips
Tip: Always use the exact reference for the tax year or accounting period you are paying. Using the wrong one can delay allocation by weeks and trigger interest charges.
Official link: Find your UTR
How to Pay Self Assessment Tax (Including Payment on Account)
Self Assessment payments (balancing payment + Payments on Account) are due 31 January (balancing) and 31 July (second Payment on Account).
Step-by-Step: Pay Self Assessment Online
- Log in to your HMRC Personal Tax Account or use the HMRC app.
- Go to Self Assessment → Payments → View the exact amount and reference.
- Choose your payment method (see table below).
- Use your 11-character reference (UTR + K).
Payment Methods for Self Assessment (2026)
| Method | Speed | Fee? | Can You Pay Without Logging In? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online bank transfer (Faster Payments / CHAPS / Bacs) | Same/next day | Usually none | Yes (if you have reference) | Most people |
| Debit card / Corporate credit card | Instant | Fee for corporate card | Yes (via HMRC pay page) | Quick payments |
| Direct Debit | 3–5 days | None | No (setup via account) | Regular payments |
| Through your tax code (if PAYE) | Deducted from salary | None | Automatic | Small amounts |
Official Self Assessment payment page: Pay your Self Assessment tax bill
Payment on Account follows the same process — HMRC will show two separate amounts (first and second Payment on Account) in your account.
How to Pay Corporation Tax
Corporation Tax is due 9 months and 1 day after your Accounting Reference Date.
- Use the 17-character payment reference shown in your HMRC online account or CT603 notice.
- Same methods as above (bank transfer, card, Direct Debit).
Official Corporation Tax payment page: Pay your Corporation Tax bill
How to Pay VAT
VAT payments are due one month and 7 days after the end of your VAT period (or under Annual Accounting Scheme rules).
- Log in to your VAT online account for the exact reference.
- Use the same bank/card/Direct Debit options.
Official VAT payment page: Pay your VAT bill
How to Pay PAYE (Employers)
PAYE (Income Tax + National Insurance) is due by the 22nd of the following month (or 19th if paying by cheque).
- Use your 13-character Accounts Office Reference.
- Same payment methods apply.
Official PAYE payment page: Pay employers’ PAYE
All Payment Methods Summary (Works for Most HMRC Taxes)
| Method | Speed | Login Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online bank / Faster Payments | Same or next day | No (if you have reference) | Most popular |
| CHAPS | Same day | No | For urgent/large amounts |
| Bacs | 3 working days | No | Slower |
| Debit / Corporate credit card | Instant | No | Fee for corporate cards |
| Direct Debit | 3–5 days | Yes (setup) | Ideal for regular payments |
| Cheque (with payslip) | 3–5 days | No | Only if you still get paper statements |
Important 2026 note: HMRC no longer accepts payments by post for most taxes. Always use electronic methods.
What Our Clients Say on Trustpilot
- “Filing Accounts helped me find my exact Self Assessment payment reference and paid on time — no stress at all!” – Anonymous, March 2026 (5 stars)
- “Clear step-by-step guidance on Corporation Tax and VAT payments. Saved me from interest charges.” – Mark T., February 2026 (5 stars)
- “Quick and accurate help with all my HMRC payments. Highly professional.” – Sarah L., January 2026 (5 stars)
With our consistent 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating, clients trust us to handle their HMRC payments correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay HMRC without logging in? Yes — you can use online banking or the card payment page with the correct reference number. However, logging in gives you the exact amount and reference instantly.
What happens if I use the wrong payment reference? Your payment may be delayed or allocated to the wrong tax year — you could still be charged interest.
Do I need a different reference for each tax? Yes — Self Assessment uses UTR+K, Corporation Tax uses a 17-digit code, etc.
Can I set up a Direct Debit for HMRC payments? Yes — ideal for regular VAT, PAYE or Payments on Account.
Official GOV.UK resources:
Need Help Making Your HMRC Payments in 2026?
Don’t risk late-payment penalties or interest. Filing Accounts can review your liabilities, provide the exact references, and even make or schedule your payments for you.
Contact us today or book a free consultation — we’ll ensure every payment (Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and more) is made correctly and on time.
👉 Get started here: info@filingaccounts.co.uk