Interest on late paid tax

Introduction

Interest on late paid tax is a compulsory charge set out in legislation to reflect the interest which would have accrued to the Exchequer had the correct amount of tax been paid at the right time.

From April 2010, a single rate of simple interest on late payment of tax applies across all taxes, with the exception of corporation tax.

Interest accrues from the date on which the payment was due until the date on which the payment is made. It should be calculated on a daily basis. It accrues at the HMRC published rate of interest. The historic rates, along with the current rate of interest on late payments, can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Interest does not accrue on late paid interest itself, ie it is simple interest rather than compound interest.

For example, if the interest rate is 2.6% and a taxpayer was due to pay £10,000 on 1 January but did not pay it until 21 January, an interest charge of £14.25 arises (ie £10,000 x 20/365 x 2.6%).

Overpayments of tax made by the taxpayer to HMRC attract interest, but at lower rate than those on underpayments of tax. See the interest rate for overpayments on the GOV.UK website.

Late payment of tax might also attract a penalty, see the Late payment penalties under self assessment and Late payment penalties for PAYE / NIC guidance notes.