CORONAVIRUS - HMRC - 28.05.2020

HMRC’s approach to deadlines clarified

Too late? Deadlines are a key part of the tax system and there’s often a financial penalty for lateness. However, the rules allow some leeway if you have a “reasonable excuse” for missing a deadline for payment or submitting a document. With this in mind HMRC has issued guidance on when it will accept coronavirus as a reasonable excuse. When submitting an appeal for a late penalty you need to explain how the virus prevented you from meeting the deadline (see The next step ).

Tip. If you miss a deadline, submit the overdue document etc. as soon as you can. This will improve the chance of the appeal being accepted.

Late appeals. Appeals have their own deadline; usually 30 days from the issue of the penalty notice, HMRC assessment or decision. Because of coronavirus this time limit is extended by three months where HMRC’s notice was issued in February 2020 or later.

For a link to HMRC’s latest guidance on appeals, visit http://tipsandadvice-tax.co.uk/download (TX 20.17.08).

HMRC will accept coronavirus as a reasonable excuse for missing a deadline as long as you can explain how it caused you to be late. You’ll also have an extra three months to submit your appeal.

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