Contact Us

From 13th January 2018, you will no longer be able to pay your self-assessment tax bill with your personal credit card.

You can currently pay by personal credit card using your HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online account or on your paying-in slip, if you receive paper statements. After 13th January, this will no longer be an option, forcing taxpayers to use business credit cards (which incur higher transaction fees) or choose an alternative payment method.

Alternative payment options include online or telephone banking, the Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS), debit card, via your bank/building society, post office, direct debit or cheque.

HMRC also plans to withdraw the facility to pay through a Post Office from 15th December 2017.

The new rule scrapping personal credit card payments for self-assessment tax returns will come into effect on the same day as the Government introduces a ban on credit and debit surcharges in the UK. This means that retailers and traders will no longer be allowed to charge you for using your credit or debit card when you buy something from them. This also applies to Government services including HMRC, the DVLA and local authorities. The Government is implementing a new set of rules on payments written in the EU, meaning that card surcharges will also end in all member states next year.

In July last year, figures obtained by Telegraph Money revealed that HMRC took £50m from credit card fees charged to taxpayers that have had to pay their outstanding tax bills on credit in the last five years.

However, a HMRC spokesman said: “We are merely passing on what we are charged for processing a credit card payment. We introduced and published separate rates to better reflect the costs associated with different credit cards.”

If you are planning to pay by personal credit card, it is recommended that you aim to complete your tax return and calculate your tax bill early, to avoid the 13th January 2018 end date for personal credit card payments. If you need help to complete your tax return, contact us today on 0800 0523 555 or online here.

Date published 31 Oct 2017 | Last updated 31 Oct 2017

Choose the right accounting firm for you

Running your own business can be challenging so why not let TaxAssist Accountants manage your tax, accounting, bookkeeping and payroll needs? If you are not receiving the service you deserve from your accountant, then perhaps it’s time to make the switch?

Local business focus icon

Local business focus

We specialise in supporting independent businesses and work with 80,684 clients. Each TaxAssist Accountant runs their own business, and are passionate about supporting you.

Come and meet us icon

Come and meet us

We enjoy talking to business owners and self-employed professionals who are looking to get the most out of their accountant. You can visit us at any of our 409 locations, meet with us online through video call software, or talk to us by telephone.

Switching is simple icon

Switching is simple

Changing accountants is easier than you might think. There are no tax implications and you can switch at any time in the year and our team will guide you through the process for a smooth transition.

See how TaxAssist Accountants can help you with a free, no obligation consultation

0800 0523 555

Or contact us