HMRC self assessment- paying through your tax code

[whataboutbob]

I am taxed at source as I have a public sector job, I also have a rental property. This year I did a huge renovation and spent in excess of £30 000. It literally cleared my savings out. That money was mostly spent in the 2020-2021 tax year. I need to do 2019-2020 tax return which will be a few thousand and I fear I just don’t have the money to pay the tax bill. I think I can ask for them to collect it out of my salary? My fear is an HMRC cock up as I won’t be in control of what they take, what if they take too much/ carry on taking after I’ve paid the self assessment tax etc. Are these fears irrational or does HMRC make that kind of mistake? Should I go for it- bearing in mind I don’t really have much choice here? Guess I’m looking for reassurance!

Go for it.

But keep an eye on it. My tax code was "we've changed your tax code because due to our error you are in arrears by £2000 on last year's PAYE" for six years in a row. I eventually used a bonus to pay them off, but because they strung it along for so long it was effectively a very handy deferment!

That’s what worries me! You have to have your wits about you and not assume they always get it right!