I have this afternoon been advised that because of industrial action planned for 31 January, HMRC has taken an early decision not to impose penalties for late filed 2011 returns which are filed on either 1 or 2 February 2012.
At present I have not seen the formal announcement but HMRC's view is that although taxpayers could claim reasonable excuse (industrial action) it would be more sensible to give a blanket exemption from penalty for those two days, to allow for people who tried to phone and could not get through. The cost and disruption for both sides of appealing penalty notices was taken into account in coming to this decision.
Personally, I welcome this very pragmatic step which is good for agents, taxpayers and HMRC. Thanks very much HMRC
.Let's have your views, Ladies and Gents.
Replies (8)
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Bit late now
I have to get the place back in one piece and then I'm off to sit in a Health Spa steam room on Feb 2nd. Everyone has been told that it's a blanket Jan 31 and I don't expect to confuse the poor lambs any more.
we are all a bit late.................
I had one of my traditional "only now had the time" clients call me at lunchtime to say he has all papers together and will be dropping off on Monday am. (great fees for simple work so yes I am a sucker for punishment)
However, he texts me at 4.30 this afternonn saying "just heard on the radio the deadline extended, can't make Monday now OK if I come over on Wed?"
These clients are far quicker off the mark than teh rest of us !
oh happy days................
I would tell them ...
I had one of my traditional "only now had the time" clients call me at lunchtime to say he has all papers together and will be dropping off on Monday am. (great fees for simple work so yes I am a sucker for punishment)
However, he texts me at 4.30 this afternonn saying "just heard on the radio the deadline extended, can't make Monday now OK if I come over on Wed?"
These clients are far quicker off the mark than teh rest of us !
oh happy days................
... I will be on holiday from 1st February!
@ OGA
tempted, but I actually go on the 3rd and have left the 1st free to catchup, so £400 for 2 hrs work will be a nice little filler for my day!!
Oddly dated news
I assume we are talking about the news item dated 26 January 2011
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/press/index.htm
Given the layout appears to be most recent news on top this is presumably a typo by someone at HMRC. Doesn't it give you enormous faith in the infallibility of their systems?
Par for the course
I've always thought that HMRC didn't believe in any system of checking
Moira
Should someone tell Moira that she's now sitting on the wrong date in the advert? I can't belive that HMRC actually paid to advertise (or did Sift do it for free?) in the one place where people are only too well aware of the deadline, and changes thereto.