Do you have a late Tax Return? Have you been issued with a late filing penalty? With a ‘reasonable excuse’, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will waive your penalty.
Around 10 million people file Self Assessment Income Tax Returns each year and it is anticipated that up to 890,000 people are likely to be affected by this penalty waiver.
Here at SeavorChartered, we are aware of the ‘reasonable excuse’ waiver. HMRC have always accepted those with a reasonable excuse should have a penalty waived however it appears that HMRC are simply accelerating the process. This is because HMRC is facing a backlog of almost a million letters and they want to focus more of their resources on investigating major tax avoidance and evasion cases rather than penalising ordinary people who are trying to do the right thing.
What is a reasonable excuse?
The term ‘reasonable excuse’ is not defined in legislation and very much depends on the indivdual facts of each case, however, from our practical experience, excuses that HMRC regards as acceptable include:
- the death of a family member,
- a stay in hospital,
- a computer failure,
- fire,or
- postal delays.
Next steps
No one will be let off with the fine unless they’ve now sent in their Tax Return and have a good reason for sending it in late.
So do not delay and get in touch with us today! We can help take the stress out of completing your Tax Return and also assist you in any appeals against any late filing penalties.
For a free consultation please get in touch with Sarah or Graeme on 01228 904 904 or Request a Call Back direct from us.
