Do I need to make a second payment on account in July?

Payments on account (POA) are advance payments of self-assessment income tax. Some self-assessment taxpayers will be required to make these payments twice a year - in January and July. For more information on what income tax payments on account are, take a look here. Keep reading to find out if you need to pay this, when and how.

What to do if my tax return is complete?

If you have already filed your 2025/26 self-assessment tax return, and you were required to make payments on account last year, the first payment on account that you made in January 2026 covers some or all of your tax liability for 2025/26. If the payment you made in January covers your entire tax liability for 2025/26 then you may not need to make the second payment on account. 

If the payment in January did not cover your 2025/26 liability, a further payment must be made by 31st July 2026. 

What to do if my tax return is not complete?

If you have not yet filed your 2025/26 self-assessment tax return and believe your profits and tax are in line with last year, then yes you do still have to make the second payment on account by the 31st July.

If you believe your income has reduced from last year and your second payment on account is too high, you can ask HMRC to reduce your payments on account. Caution should be taken in reducing payments on account, as if it later turns out you did owe more tax, then HMRC will apply interest from the date the payment on account should have been made. 

How do I pay my second payment on account?

There are many ways to pay your tax bill. You can pay using your online HMRC account or the HMRC app. You can also make a bank payment or use online or telephone banking. Check out ways to pay here. When making any payment to HMRC it is important use your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) as a reference.

If you are unable to pay your payment on account, speak to your accountant or speak directly to HMRC as soon as possible to discuss a payment plan.

How TaxAssist can help

If you would like to discuss payments on account or your tax affairs further, please contact us on 01733 892299 or use our simple online contact form to arrange a free initial consultation.

Last updated 11 Jun 2026 | First published 21 Jul 2021

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This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.

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