The reason of the change is that from 13 January, the EU Payment Services Directive 2 prohibits merchants (including HMRC) from recharging associated fees back to customers. HMRC will not absorb the cost of credit card fees as this would be a cost to the public purse.

Payments by debit card or corporate credit card will continue to be accepted.

The timing means that taxpayers who wish to pay their 31 January 2018 self assessment liabilities by personal credit card will need to make the payment by 12 January or use an alternative payment method.

Do you need more details on how to pay your tax bill, due by 31 January 2018?

There’s information on the HMRC website, or contact me if you need help.