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Self-assessment: Fines

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeTreasuryTabled Answered 12 December 2025UIN 98655

The question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the online Self Assessment Time to Pay system in reducing the number of late payment penalties.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson

HMRC’s Time to Pay (TTP) arrangements help taxpayers to pay their liabilities in affordable and sustainable instalments. Late payment penalties do not apply provided the plan is agreed before penalty trigger dates and instalments are paid on time.

HMRC’s online TTP service for Self Assessment offers taxpayers the option to set up their own payment plans for Self Assessment debts up to £30,000. HMRC publishes data on TTP arrangements as part of its quarterly performance updates and in its Annual Report and Accounts. Over 90% of TTP arrangements are completed successfully, demonstrating their effectiveness in supporting compliance and reducing penalties.

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