On 8 October 2026, HMRC released an update on the Simple Assessment payment plan service, noting ongoing availability issues that may prevent taxpayers from setting up instalment arrangements for Simple Assessment tax bills. Simple Assessment is used for taxpayers with straightforward tax affairs who do not need to file a full Self Assessment return. The service issues mirror those affecting Self Assessment and VAT payment plans, including system latency and occasional plan rejection errors. HMRC is working on a fix but has not provided a definitive resolution timeline.
Key Takeaways
- Impact on Vulnerable Taxpayers: Simple Assessment often affects pensioners and those with uncomplicated tax affairs; service outages may disproportionately impact those less comfortable with alternative payment methods.
- Manual Intervention Available: Taxpayers can contact HMRC’s dedicated Simple Assessment helpline to arrange payment plans manually, though verification processes may take longer.
- Deadline Awareness: The standard payment deadline for Simple Assessment is 31 January following the tax year; taxpayers should not delay seeking assistance if the online service is unavailable.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement