Key facts
- CGT on UK residential property must be paid within 60 days of the completion date.
- CGT on all other assets is paid by 31 January after the end of the tax year.
- The fastest payment methods are online banking (Faster Payments) and CHAPS — typically same or next working day.
- You need HMRC’s CGT payment reference to ensure your payment is correctly allocated.
- If you cannot pay on time, you can apply for a Time to Pay arrangement with HMRC.
When CGT Must Be Paid
The payment deadline depends on the type of asset disposed of:[1]
| Type of Disposal | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|
| UK residential property | 60 days from the completion date (paid when filing the 60-day return) |
| Shares, investments, crypto, and other assets | 31 January after the end of the tax year (e.g. 31 January 2027 for gains in 2025/26) |
| Non-UK resident: all UK property disposals | 60 days from the completion date |
Two different deadlines: If you sell a rental property in September 2025, you must pay the CGT within 60 days. But if you sell shares in September 2025, the CGT is not due until 31 January 2027. These are fundamentally different timelines, so make sure you know which applies to your disposal.[2]
Payment Methods
HMRC accepts several methods for paying CGT. The table below shows the key options and typical processing times:[1]
| Method | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online banking (Faster Payments) | Same or next working day | Available 24/7. Use HMRC’s bank details and your payment reference. |
| CHAPS | Same working day (before cut-off) | Contact your bank for their cut-off time. Fee may apply. |
| Bacs | 3 working days | Free but slower. Allow extra time before the deadline. |
| Debit card (online) | Immediate | Pay via HMRC’s online service. Personal debit cards only — no credit cards. |
| Direct Debit | 3 – 5 working days | Must be set up in advance through your HMRC online account. |
| At your bank or building society | Same day (in branch) | Take your payslip from HMRC (if applicable) and your payment reference. |
| Cheque by post | Allow at least 5 working days | Make payable to “HM Revenue and Customs only”. Include your payment reference. |
Tip: Online banking via Faster Payments is the safest option for meeting tight deadlines. CHAPS is fastest but may incur a bank fee (typically £20 – £30). Avoid cheques for 60-day property returns as the processing time may cause you to miss the deadline.
Getting the Right Payment Reference
Using the correct payment reference is essential — without it, HMRC may not be able to allocate your payment correctly.
60-Day Property Return Payments
When you submit the 60-day return online, HMRC provides a unique payment reference on screen. Note this down carefully. The reference will also appear in your CGT on UK property account.[2]
Self Assessment CGT Payments
For CGT paid through Self Assessment (by 31 January), your payment reference is based on your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). You can find this in your HMRC online account under Self Assessment. If you are making a balancing payment, your Self Assessment statement will show the reference and amount due.[1]
HMRC Bank Details for CGT Payments
For online or telephone banking payments, you need HMRC’s bank details:[1]
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Sort code | 08 32 10 |
| Account number | 12001039 |
| Account name | HMRC Cumbernauld |
Always include your payment reference in the “reference” field of the bank transfer to ensure correct allocation.
Payments on Account
If you pay CGT through Self Assessment (for non-property gains), you may also be subject to payments on account. These are advance payments towards next year’s tax bill, based on the current year’s liability. Payments on account are due:
- 31 January during the tax year (first payment on account)
- 31 July after the end of the tax year (second payment on account)
However, CGT is not included in payments on account calculations. Payments on account are based on your Income Tax and Class 4 NIC liability only. CGT is paid as a single balancing payment on 31 January after the tax year ends.
What If You Cannot Pay on Time?
If you are struggling to pay your CGT bill by the deadline, you have options:[3]
Time to Pay Arrangement
You can contact HMRC to request a Time to Pay (TTP) arrangement. This is an agreement to pay the debt in instalments over an agreed period. Key points:
- Contact HMRC as soon as possible — ideally before the payment deadline
- You can set up a payment plan online through your Government Gateway account if the debt is under £30,000
- For larger debts, call HMRC’s Payment Support Service on 0300 200 3835
- HMRC will consider your circumstances, including your income, expenditure, and other debts
- Interest continues to accrue on the outstanding balance throughout the arrangement
- Late payment penalties may be avoided if the TTP is agreed before the penalty trigger dates
Late Payment Consequences
If you do not pay on time and do not agree a TTP arrangement:
| Consequence | When It Applies |
|---|---|
| Late payment interest | From the day after the due date, at Bank of England base rate + 2.5% |
| 5% surcharge | If tax is unpaid 30 days after the due date |
| Further 5% surcharge | If tax is still unpaid 6 months after the due date |
| Additional 5% surcharge | If tax is still unpaid 12 months after the due date |
Worked Example: Paying CGT on a Property Sale
James sells a buy-to-let property on 15 June 2025 for £350,000 and makes a chargeable gain of £50,000 after costs and reliefs. He is a higher-rate taxpayer.
| Step | Detail | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chargeable gain | After allowable costs and reliefs | £50,000 |
| Less Annual Exempt Amount | 2025/26 AEA | −£3,000 |
| Taxable gain | £47,000 | |
| CGT at 24% | £47,000 × 24% | £11,280 |
| Payment deadline | 60 days from 15 June 2025 | 14 August 2025 |
James files the 60-day return online and pays £11,280 by Faster Payments on 10 August 2025. He must also include the gain on his 2025/26 Self Assessment return (due 31 January 2027), claiming credit for the £11,280 already paid.[4]
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my Capital Gains Tax bill?
The most common methods are online banking (Faster Payments), CHAPS bank transfer, or debit card via HMRC’s online service. You can also pay by Direct Debit (if set up), at your bank or building society, or by cheque through the post. Each method requires your HMRC CGT payment reference.
What payment reference do I use for CGT?
For the 60-day property return, the payment reference is provided when you submit the return online. For Self Assessment CGT, use your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) followed by “K” for the relevant tax year. Check your HMRC online account for the exact reference.
What happens if I pay my CGT late?
Interest is charged on late payments from the due date at the Bank of England base rate plus 2.5%. For the 60-day property return, late payment penalties may also apply: 5% of unpaid tax at 30 days, a further 5% at 6 months, and another 5% at 12 months late.
Can I pay my CGT bill in instalments?
HMRC does not automatically allow instalments, but if you are struggling to pay you can contact HMRC to request a Time to Pay arrangement. This is an agreement to pay the debt over a period of time, typically up to 12 months. Interest continues to accrue, but penalties may be avoided.
Further Reading
- CGT Payment Deadlines — detailed guide to all CGT payment dates and penalties
- 60-Day Property Return (Step-by-Step) — how to file the return and pay at the same time
- Reporting CGT on Self Assessment — how to report gains on your annual return
- How to Calculate a Capital Gain — the full computation process
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