Jennifer Adams considers different tax payment methods should a taxpayer be struggling to pay.
Payments on account (POAs) for the self-employed or those taxpayers who have significant income from sources other than employment have been compulsory for nearly 30 years.
POAs are advance payments towards the final tax bill, made twice a year (in January and July) based on the previous year’s tax liability. The payment dates could not come at a worse time for many, just after Christmas and during the school holidays.
Companies do not have to make POAs; their tax bills are due in one lump sum nine months and one day after the accounting year end. Other taxes, including PAYE, have other deadlines.
Other payment methods
Although those dates are contained in law, HMRC offers other payment methods if anyone is struggling to pay or wants to
