Karl Leitelmayer, Sales Director - Tax, Premium Credit
As the current Self-Assessment season gathers pace, accountancy firms across the UK are once again encouraging clients to prepare in a timely way. While much of the focus is understandably on submitting accurate returns before the deadline, how clients intend to pay their tax bill deserves as much attention.
Too often, payment is left until the last minute. Clients know what they owe but haven't considered how they will fund it. This creates unnecessary pressure for themselves and, in many cases, for their accountant too. It does not have to be this way - keep reading.
71% would spread the cost of tax bills for a small fee*
Paying tax bills is becoming an increasing issue. Although inflation has eased, many individuals and business owners continue to manage tight household and business budgets. Meeting a significant tax liability in a single payment can still place real strain on cash flow.
That's why payment flexibility should form part of the conversation from the outset between accountant and client, rather than becoming an emergency discussion closer to the filing deadline.
By introducing the option of spreading the cost of a Self-Assessment liability over affordable monthly instalments, accountants can help clients plan ahead with greater confidence. We offer this finance facility through credit brokers.
Planning ahead benefits accountancy practices too. It encourages earlier engagement, reduces last-minute pressure and reinforces the accountant's role as a trusted adviser who helps clients manage their finances. Not simply calculate their tax.
What about paying accountancy fees?
The same thinking applies to professional fees. Accountancy services provide significant value, but paying for them in a single lump sum isn't always the most convenient option for clients. Offering the ability to spread the cost of accountancy fees can improve affordability while ensuring firms receive payment promptly and maintain healthy cash flow. Accountants can offer this service through our FeePlan service.
In summary
Whether it is convenience, better planning, flexibility or tougher market conditios, we have seen a growing number of customers demanding greater payment flexibility to meet the cost of their tax returns. Our Self-Assessment Tax Funding solution enables eligible customers to spread the cost of their tax bill through manageable monthly payments (via a credit broker), while our FeePlan product allows clients to pay accountancy fees by instalments without affecting when the practice receives payment (available through their accountant).
As the current Self-Assessment season continues, accountancy firms have an opportunity to make payment planning part of the wider tax conversation. Helping clients understand how they will pay can be just as valuable as helping them understand what they owe.
The right payment solution won't reduce a tax bill or the associated accountancy costs, but it can make meeting the bill significantly more manageable. And for accountants, it's another way to deliver practical, year-round value beyond compliance alone.
For more information, please visit: www.premiumcredit.com/products/tax-and-vat
Details of FeePlan can be found at: www.premiumcredit.com/products/accountancy-fees
*2026 Premium Credit Tax Index
