People in Lanarkshire and across Scotland are being urged to check whether they need to pay tax for the 2025/26 financial year, as a key payment deadline approaches. Advice Direct Scotland, which operates a free tax helpline and the taxadvice.scot service, reminds individuals that tax bills must be settled by midnight on Friday, July 31, to avoid potential fines from HMRC.
Payment on Account Due at End of July
Those registered for self-assessment for the 2025/26 tax year may have already paid an initial instalment at the end of January, when tax returns for 2024/25 were also due. However, a second instalment known as a 'payment on account' is due at the end of July. This payment goes towards the next tax bill and is designed to help spread the cost of tax throughout the year, calculated based on the previous year's tax bill.
Paying the bill late can lead to fines from HMRC, with the amount depending on how much tax is owed and how late the payment is. To check if a payment is required before July 31, individuals should log in to their HMRC online account and review their self-assessment statement.
Request a Reduction if Tax Owed Is Lower
If someone knows the tax they owe will be lower than last year, they can request a reduction in the payment on account. This can be done online or by post. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Paying a tax bill isn’t the first thing on most people’s minds during the height of the summer, which is why it is so easy to miss this particular HMRC deadline. However, if you forget about it, late payment fines will start to build up – so make sure you log in to your online account now and check if you need to act. If your situation has changed and you expect you will be liable to pay less tax than previously, make sure to ask for a reduction, which will keep the money in your pocket.”
Free Help Available from taxadvice.scot
Advice Direct Scotland offers a free tax helpline and website called taxadvice.scot, backed by HMRC, to help people understand their tax obligations. Those needing help with self-assessment can call a specialist adviser on 0800 756 3381. Staff can answer questions on a wide range of areas, from PAYE to National Insurance, and offer guidance on tax related to pensions, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and marriage allowance, as well as help with claiming child benefit and tax credits.
Bartlett added: “If you find the whole thing confusing, don’t worry – the taxadvice.scot team is here to help Scots with self-assessment queries, completely free of charge. The service is backed by HMRC and provides an alternative to calling them directly. Visit taxadvice.scot or call us on 0800 756 3381.”
