17/06/2026
If you've ever opened your self-assessment bill and wondered why the number seemed higher than expected, you're definitely not on your own. Payments on account catch a lot of people out, especially in that first year of being self-employed.
In simple terms, HMRC asks you to pay towards next year's tax bill in advance, split across two dates, 31 January and 31 July. It can feel like you're being charged twice, but really it's just next year's tax being spread out ahead of time.
If your income has dropped this year, there's a good chance your payments on account can be reduced too, so it's always worth checking rather than assuming the figure is fixed.
If any of this leaves you scratching your head, or you just want peace of mind that you're not overpaying, send us a message. We're always happy to help.
