Why you should check your personal tax account today

Your Personal Tax Account (PTA) is your real-time window into your tax position. It allows you to:

1. Check whether your Self Assessment tax return has been processed
2. See exactly how much tax you owe and when it’s due
3. Review payments already made
4. Confirm whether there are any outstanding balances or penalties

You can access your account here:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account

Checking your PTA early gives you clarity and time to plan — whether that means paying in full or arranging a payment plan.

Can’t pay your tax bill in full? A time to pay arrangement may help

If you can’t afford to pay your January 2026 tax bill in one go, you may be able to set up a Time to Pay (TTP) arrangement with HMRC. This allows you to spread the cost of your tax bill over manageable monthly instalments.

HMRC will assess whether a payment plan is affordable based on your circumstances. Being open and realistic is key, HMRC is far more supportive when taxpayers engage early.

What you’ll need to set up a time to pay arrangement

To set up a payment plan, you’ll usually need:

• Your tax reference number (such as your Unique Taxpayer Reference)
• UK bank account details to set up a Direct Debit
• Details of your income and regular outgoings

If your tax bill isn’t overdue yet, you may also be able to make regular payments towards it using a Budget Payment Plan, which can help reduce the January pressure.

How HMRC Decides What You Pay

HMRC looks at what you have left after essential living costs such as:

• Rent or mortgage
• Food
• Utilities
• Fixed outgoings (for example, subscriptions)

Typically, HMRC will expect around half of your disposable income to go towards the tax debt, though you can offer more if you wish. Paying quicker reduces the interest you’ll pay overall.

If you receive a pension, HMRC will count the income from it, but not the value of the pension pot itself.

How Long Does a Time to Pay Arrangement Last?

There’s no fixed time limit. The length of the arrangement depends on:

• How much you owe
• What you can realistically afford each month

If your circumstances change, you should contact HMRC as soon as possible. Payment plans can usually be adjusted if needed.

What If You Miss a Payment?

If you miss a payment, HMRC will normally contact you to understand why and may try to renegotiate the plan. However, ignoring HMRC or refusing to engage can lead to serious consequences.

Why Ignoring HMRC Is Never a Good Idea

If HMRC can’t contact you or no agreement is reached, they may take enforcement action, including:

• Using debt collection agencies
• Taking money directly from wages or pensions
• Recovering funds from bank accounts
• Seizing and selling assets
• Court action or bankruptcy
• Closing down a company (for business taxes)

Any additional costs incurred are usually added to your debt, so acting early really does matter.

Our advice: Act early and get support

If you’re worried about paying your January 2026 tax bill, don’t wait until the deadline has passed.

✔ Check your Personal Tax Account TODAY
✔ Understand what you owe
✔ Explore Time to Pay options early
✔ Get professional advice if you’re unsure

If you’re an existing client, read through your detailed tax return letter that was sent with your tax return which explains how the payments were calculated and when they fall due. If in doubt, get in touch!