HMRC has clarified its rules and said taxpayers may want to check their bank accounts. The update came after a question from a customer about payments.

Posting on March 25, the person asked the tax authority over social media at around 1.15pm: “I set up a payment plan and payment is due to be taken out today. It’s not been taken out yet – does this sometimes happen later in the day?”

You can set up a payment plan to pay a tax bill through regular instalments. HMRC responded to the person to say that this is sometimes the case.

The group explained: “Payments don’t always show as taken first thing and may be processed later in the day. If it hasn’t been taken by the end of today, it’s worth checking your bank account again tomorrow.”

To set up a payment plan, you will need to have:

• The necessary reference number for the tax you cannot pay, such as your unique tax reference number These details will usually be on any letters you have had from HMRC about the unpaid tax
• Your UK bank account details – you must be authorised to set up a direct debit on this account
• Details of your income and spending, or your company’s income and spending if you owe company tax.

How to contact HMRC if you need help

HMRC also told the person what to do if the amount had still not gone out on the following day. The group said: “If it’s still not showing after that, you can contact us to make sure everything is in place.”

They sent the person a link to a page on the Government website with contact information if you are having an issue making a payment. If you have a query about income tax, you can call HMRC on 0300 200 3300. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

You can call this number to get help regarding your tax code, or about a tax overpayment or underpayment. You can also get help with issues relating to tax on savings, including refunds, or about ISAs.