Self assessment time

chris316

I've just filled in my self assessment for 2 properties I rent out and have came across something new. I've been asked to pay half of what my bill is again and then half again in 6 months. Apparently this is called payment on account, I understand what's going on ie, I'm paying for next years now but just wondering why I've never been asked to do this before, all my figures are pretty similar than every other year.
Any insight would be appreciated
Cheers

Dazed_and_C0nfused

I'm paying for next years now

No, today is 14 January 2022 so you are being asked to make POA for a tax year that we are three quarters of the way through.

POA are only due in certain circumstances, starting with a liability of at least £1,000.

chris316

Yeah, sorry I worded it wrong, thought it was obvious what I meant.
The question I was asking was why has this occured though? In the time I've been doing this it's never happened before, my figures are pretty consistent, certainly nothing out of the ordinary this year. 

sheramber

What is important is the amount of tax due.

Tax due £999 - no payments on account

Tax due £1000- payments on account due, unless you have already paid 80% of all tax due.

https://www.gov.uk/understand-self-assessment-bill/payments-on-account

You have to make 2 payments on account every year unless:

• your last Self Assessment tax bill was less than £1,000
• you’ve already paid more than 80% of all the tax you owe, for example through your tax code or because your bank has already deducted interest on your savings

TripleH

As per sheramber.

You can ask to reduce these payments on account if you expect lower profits but I wouldn't bother unless you know the taxable profit you've made on the properties has significantly dropped in the year.

chris316

Every other year I've had more than £1000 due and not had to pay on account. I've not really got an issue with it just wondered whats changed.