As the month-end preliminary tax deadline approaches, self-employed individuals should think about making next year's payment by direct debit.

Less than 1 per cent of the self-employed use the direct debit option to pay preliminary tax.

The service greatly benefits those with varying monthly incomes as direct debit payments may be made in 10, 11 or 12 instalments of different amounts. They must comprise 70 per cent or more of the preliminary tax payable for the tax year.