Charity urges Scots to check tax obligations ahead of deadline

A charity is urging Scots to check now if they need to pay any tax for the 2025-26 year, ahead of a key deadline at the end of the month.

Advice Direct Scotland said bills for the previous financial year must be settled by Friday July 31 to avoid fines from HMRC.

Those registered for self-assessment for the 2025-26 tax year may already have paid HMRC an initial instalment at the end of January, when tax returns for 2024-25 were also due.

However a second instalment is often due at the end of July, which goes towards the next tax bill.

Advice Direct Scotland runs a free tax helpline and the taxadvice.scot service.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Paying a tax bill isn’t the first thing on most people’s minds during the height of the summer, which is why it is so easy to miss this particular HMRC deadline.

“However, if you forget about it, late payment fines will start to build up – so make sure you log in to your online account now and check if you need to act.

“If your situation has changed and you expect you will be liable to pay less tax than previously, make sure to ask for a reduction, which will keep the money in your pocket.”

He continued: “If you find the whole thing confusing, don’t worry – the taxadvice.scot team is here to help Scots with self-assessment queries, completely free of charge.

“The service is backed by HMRC and provides an alternative to calling them directly. Visit taxadvice.scot or call us on 0800 756 3381.”

Those registered for self-assessment can log in to their HMRC online account to check if further payments are needed ahead of July 31.