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Self-assessment: concern over fewer ways to pay tax | Self-assessment: concern over fewer ways to pay tax |
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Campaigners have raised concerns over a ban imposed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on paying tax by credit card or via the Post Office. | Campaigners have raised concerns over a ban imposed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on paying tax by credit card or via the Post Office. |
About 11 million people complete a self-assessment tax return every year, with the deadline for online forms of 31 January approaching. | About 11 million people complete a self-assessment tax return every year, with the deadline for online forms of 31 January approaching. |
Many have to settle an income tax or capital gains tax bill. | Many have to settle an income tax or capital gains tax bill. |
Payments at the Post Office were banned in December and the credit card option will be cut from 13 January. | Payments at the Post Office were banned in December and the credit card option will be cut from 13 January. |
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) said that it was concerned that some people would struggle to find a way to pay in time, and that some could resort to taking out high-interest loans as they could not pay by credit card. | The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) said that it was concerned that some people would struggle to find a way to pay in time, and that some could resort to taking out high-interest loans as they could not pay by credit card. |
"Making payments may not be straightforward for some taxpayers, and we are keen to see that these changes are publicised as widely as possible," said Anne Fairpo, who chairs LITRG. | "Making payments may not be straightforward for some taxpayers, and we are keen to see that these changes are publicised as widely as possible," said Anne Fairpo, who chairs LITRG. |
"If making the tax payment will cause hardship, we strongly recommend people contact HMRC as soon as possible, and certainly before the due date of payment, to discuss their case." | "If making the tax payment will cause hardship, we strongly recommend people contact HMRC as soon as possible, and certainly before the due date of payment, to discuss their case." |
HMRC argues that letters have been sent as part of a marketing campaign signalling the changes. | HMRC argues that letters have been sent as part of a marketing campaign signalling the changes. |
Surcharge ban | Surcharge ban |
Millions of people who have more than one source of income or are self-employed are required to file a tax return. | Millions of people who have more than one source of income or are self-employed are required to file a tax return. |
The tax due can still be paid by debit card, via a bank's BACS, CHAPS or Faster Payments system, or by setting up a direct debit. | The tax due can still be paid by debit card, via a bank's BACS, CHAPS or Faster Payments system, or by setting up a direct debit. |
Employed people who owe less than £3,000 on their tax bill can pay it through their subsequent PAYE system, but only if they submitted their return online by 30 December. | Employed people who owe less than £3,000 on their tax bill can pay it through their subsequent PAYE system, but only if they submitted their return online by 30 December. |
However, the credit card payment option - used in 454,000 cases in 2016-17 - has been withdrawn owing to imminent change in the law which bans surcharges on Visa, Mastercard and American Express payments. | However, the credit card payment option - used in 454,000 cases in 2016-17 - has been withdrawn owing to imminent change in the law which bans surcharges on Visa, Mastercard and American Express payments. |
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been charging up to 0.6% for payment by credit card, but would have had to foot the bill had it not banned this method of payment. | HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been charging up to 0.6% for payment by credit card, but would have had to foot the bill had it not banned this method of payment. |
"It would be unfair to expect other taxpayers to pick up this cost," a spokesman for HMRC said. | "It would be unfair to expect other taxpayers to pick up this cost," a spokesman for HMRC said. |
The law change, prompting the change in the rules, comes just a few weeks before the self-assessment deadline. | The law change, prompting the change in the rules, comes just a few weeks before the self-assessment deadline. |
Adverts | Adverts |
The Transcash system, operated through the Post Office, was removed by operator Santander, the HMRC spokesman said. | |
Santander said Transcash had been replaced by a new electronic bill payment service, but that HMRC had decided not to adopt it. | |
HMRC has been running a relatively high-profile campaign to ensure people do not miss the deadline, potentially leaving them with a fine of at least £100. | HMRC has been running a relatively high-profile campaign to ensure people do not miss the deadline, potentially leaving them with a fine of at least £100. |
The online and billboard adverts feature a man in the bath, being niggled by a duck. Instead of quacking, the duck repeats the word "tax". | The online and billboard adverts feature a man in the bath, being niggled by a duck. Instead of quacking, the duck repeats the word "tax". |
The government is working on plans to introduce a points-based system for those who fail to submit their tax returns on time, rather than an automatic fine. | The government is working on plans to introduce a points-based system for those who fail to submit their tax returns on time, rather than an automatic fine. |