Although you submit one tax return a year, you will probably make multiple tax payments. 

This is because of the “Payment on account” system put in place by HMRC. The system is there so the government can get your tax payments quicker. 

It works by using your tax bill for last year as an estimate of what you need to pay this year. This amount is split into two payments, one due in January and the other due in July. 

Once your tax return is submitted, they determine the difference between your tax bill and what you’ve already paid. This “balancing payment” is due in January. 

Note: Once you’ve submitted your return with APARI, you’ll go on to the HMRC website to pay your tax bill.

We know it’s complicated! This video may help to give more detail:

APARI Software Ltd is an accounting software provider and does not supply specific tax advice. For more information please see our full terms and conditions.