The Top Ten Worst Excuses for Late Tax Returns

Jan 16, 2017 | Uncategorized

  

Oh what a tangled web we weave
When first we practice to deceive. – Sir Walter Scott (Marmion, 1808) 

 

 

We could all do with some light entertainment – especially if you have your tax return still to complete.

 

 

The HMRC will sometimes accept a genuine excuse for not completing a tax return.  If you want to try your hand – perhaps you should try harder than the following excuses which were used in unsuccessful appeals against HMRC penalties……

 

 

1.My tax return was on my yacht, which caught fire.

 

2. A wasp in my car caused me to have an accident and my tax return, which was inside, was destroyed.

 

3. My wife helps me with my tax return, but she had a headache for ten days.

 

4. My dog ate my tax return…and all of the reminders.

 

5. I couldn’t complete my tax return, because my husband left me and took our accountant with him. I am currently trying to find a new accountant.

 

6. My child scribbled all over the tax return, so I wasn’t able to send it back.

 

7. I work for myself, but a colleague borrowed my tax return to photocopy it and lost it.

 

8. My husband told me the deadline was the 31 March.

 

9. My internet connection failed.

 

10. The postman doesn’t deliver to my house.

 

 

The deadline for sending 2015-16 self-assessment tax returns to HMRC, and paying any tax owed, is 31 January 2017.

 

Ruth Owen, HMRC director general of customer services, said, “Blaming the postman, arguing with family members and pesky insects – it’s easy to see that some excuses for not completing a tax return on time can be more questionable than others. Luckily, it’s only a small minority who chance their arm.

 

“But there will always be help and support available for those who have a genuine excuse for not submitting their return on time. If you think you might miss the 31 January deadline, get in touch with us now – the earlier we’re contacted, the better.”

 

HMRC said that customers who provide a reasonable excuse before the deadline can avoid a penalty after this date.

However, the excuse must be genuine and HMRC might ask for evidence.

The Revenue said that the above excuses were all declined on the basis that they were either untrue or not good enough reasons.

 

 

FYI – Late Tax Return Penalty Charges Explained >>>>

 

 

Currently the penalties for late tax returns are an initial £100 fixed penalty, and additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900, after three months.

 

After six months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300 is imposed, and after one year, another 5% or £300.

 

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months.

 

 

 

Here at Quay Accounts we are busy beavers at this time of year – but if we can assist you we will.  Please get in touch to see how we can help make your life a little easier.

 

 

Happy Tax Returns!!!!!

 

 

 

 

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