More than 142,000 use online payment plans to pay their Self Assessment tax bill

MORE than 142,000 customers have used HMRC's online Time to Pay facility to spread the cost of their Self Assessment tax bill since April 2021, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

The Self Assessment deadline for 2020/21 Tax Returns was 31 January 2022, but, this year, HMRC gave customers until 1 April to pay any tax owed and not face penalties.

Customers who were unable to pay in full, but had a tax bill under ₤30,000 could use the online Time to Pay service to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments. Those who owed more than ₤30,000 or needed longer to pay could still use:- 'Time to Pay,' but they had to contact HMRC to arrange it.

Since April 2021, Self Assessment customers have used this service to pay nearly ₤475 million worth of tax in instalments.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said:- "I'd like to thank the millions of customers and agents who have sent us their Tax Returns and paid their tax bills."

Any Self Assessment customers who did not pay their outstanding tax by 1 April will now face a 5% late payment penalty on any outstanding tax.

Customers wishing to file their 2021/22 Tax Return can do so from 6 April 2022. In 2021, more than 63,500 customers filed their 2020/21 Tax Return on the 1st day of the tax year.

How to get healthcare help in Sefton over the Easter holidays

HEALTHCARE leaders are sharing advice for getting the help you need in Sefton over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend (15 April to 18 April) should you become unwell. People who need urgent NHS care, but it is not a 999 emergency, are advised to contact the NHS by calling:- 111, which is staffed by trained professionals and clinicians who will direct people to the most appropriate health service.

Dr Pete Chamberlain, chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:- "Although there are changes to some healthcare services over the Bank Holiday weekend, if you're feeling unwell, there is plenty of help and advice available from NHS 111. We would advise you to:- 'think 111 1st' and contact the team either by visiting 111.nhs.uk online to answer some questions about your condition, or by calling 111 over the phone."

Planning ahead… Opening times for services such as:- Pharmacies, Walk In Centres and GP practices may change over the Bank Holiday, so residents are advised to plan ahead to make sure they know where to go for help. Healthcare leaders are also urging residents to make sure they have enough supply of any medications they need by ordering their repeat prescriptions early, and getting their medicine cabinet stocked up with essentials.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:- "If you do rely on medication for long term conditions, don't leave it too late to order your repeat prescriptions before Good Friday. Pharmacies may change their opening hours over the Bank Holiday weekend so it's best to be prepared. Pharmacists are also there for you for help with common ailments should you need them. They are highly qualified health professionals who can give free, confidential advice and help you get the right medications for everyday illnesses."

Easter Bank Holiday Pharmacy opening times… A number of Pharmacies are open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Residents are advised to check the opening times in the link below and to call their local Pharmacy before travelling, just to make sure nothing has changed and that they are still open. Information will be added to the links as more opening times come into the CCGs.

You can view the Pharmacy times here:-

 ► NHS South Sefton CCG:- SouthSeftonCCG.NHS.UK/Easter-Bank-Hol-2022.

 ► NHS Southport and Formby CCG:- SouthportAndFormbyCCG.NHS.UK/Easter-Bank-Hol-2022.

Anyone in Sefton can also refer to Sefton's good health checklist, which can help you find the right health advice or treatment when you need it. You can find the good health checklist online at:-

► NHS South Sefton CCG:- SouthSeftonCCG.NHS.UK/Good-Health-Checklist.

► NHS Southport and Formby CCG:- SouthportAndFormbyCCG.NHS.UK/Good-Health-Checklist.