Can I pay before my self assessment appears online?

Hi, my accountant has submitted my self assessment for 2021-2022 today and sent me a screenshot of the submission page. However, when I check my Gateway account, nothing appears on there yet and it still says to complete my self assessment and that no tax is due. I assume this will take a bit of time to update? As my accountant told me the amount I need to pay, can I already pay this amount to HMRC? Or should I wait until the Gateway dashboard has updated? I am worried about my payment being too late. Thank you.

I have just checked the Gateway account again, and it now shows money I am due, however this amount is different (lower) from what my accountant told me I would have to pay. Why would this be? Are National Insurance contributions maybe not included in this amount? My accountant said I would have to pay £236.40, the HMRC website says £187.60. I'm worried about paying the wrong amount and receiving a fine.

Hi,
 

You can still pay it now. The return takes 48-72 hours to show on the system and that is why it is still looking for the return to be filed  . Thank you.

Hi, thanks for your reply. As I mentioned in my second post, the amount is showing on my account now, but the amount showing is lower than what my accountant said I would have to pay (£187.60 vs £236.40). I don't know why this might be? Would I be fine to pay the amount that HMRC shows on my account page, rather than the slightly higher amount my account told me?

Hi,

You should check with the accountant how they calculated that figure. If the difference is for national insurance you may not be registered to pay this.

Thank you.

Hi Ine,

You should pay the amount that HMRC is requesting, however I would query this with the accountant so that you can identify why there is a difference in the amount due.

Thank you.