Let’s be honest: sending money to HMRC can feel a bit nerve-racking. You want to be sure the payment has landed where it should, especially when you’re dealing with deadlines, penalties, and peace of mind. Whether it’s your first time paying tax or your tenth, here’s how to make sure your payment hasn’t gone walkabout.
Who Actually Needs to Pay HMRC?
Most people in the UK pay tax in some form, either through PAYE (if you’re employed) or directly via Self Assessment (if you’re self-employed, have rental income, or other untaxed income).
If you’re running a limited company, you might be juggling a few tax types: Corporation Tax, PAYE for any staff, VAT (if registered), and perhaps even your own Self Assessment return if you’re taking dividends.
First Things First: Make Sure You Paid It Right
Before checking if HMRC received your payment, double-check the basics:
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Did you use the correct reference number? For Self Assessment, it should be your 10-digit UTR followed by a letter ‘K’.
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Did you pay to the right HMRC bank account?
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Did you keep proof (e.g. screenshot or bank confirmation)?
These small details matter a lot. A wrong reference can delay or misapply your payment.
How Long Does It Take for HMRC to Show a Payment?
Different payment methods take different times to clear. Here’s a quick guide:
| Payment Method | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online/Telephone Banking (Faster Payments) | Same day or next working day |
| CHAPS | Same day |
| BACS | 3 working days |
| Debit/Credit Card (Online) | 1-3 working days |
| Direct Debit (already set up) | 3 working days |
| Direct Debit (first time) | 5 working days |
| Cheque (by post) | Up to 5 working days after received |
How to Check If HMRC Received It
1. Log in to Your HMRC Online Account
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Go to https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services
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Sign in with your Government Gateway details
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Choose the relevant tax service (e.g. Self Assessment)
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Go to ‘View your payments’ or ‘Account summary’
Payments usually appear within 72 hours of being processed, but can take longer depending on the method.
2. Check Your Bank Statement
Make sure the payment left your account. Check that:
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The amount is correct
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It was sent to the correct HMRC sort code and account number
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The reference number is accurate
3. Contact HMRC If It’s Missing
If the payment still isn’t showing after the standard timeframe, contact HMRC. They can trace the payment with:
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Your UTR or company reference
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Payment amount and date
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Method used and last 4 digits of the account number
Numbers to try:
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Self Assessment: 0300 200 3310
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Corporation Tax: 0300 200 3410
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VAT: 0300 200 3700
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PAYE: 0300 200 3200
4. Let Your Accountant Know
If you’re working with an accountant (like us at Rothstone Accountants), send us the confirmation and we’ll help match the payment to your record and chase up HMRC if needed.
Pro Tips to Avoid Payment Stress
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Always pay a few days early, especially before January or April deadlines
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Save a receipt or take a screenshot
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Use the right reference every time
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Avoid weekends and bank holidays when scheduling transfers
Final Thoughts
It’s normal to feel a bit uneasy when large sums are flying out of your account. But if you’ve used the correct details, paid via a reliable method, and kept your proof, you’re usually in the clear.
Still unsure? Rothstone Accountants help clients manage and track tax payments every day — so you can focus on running your business, not chasing receipts.
