It's only days until the deadline and despite having months to complete it some people have still not completed their 2014/15 Tax Return (if that's you get in touch with me urgently !). If you are late you are liable to an automatic £100 penalty. A penalty you may wish to appeal against with what HMRC call "a reasonable excuse". HMRC have today issued a list of their top 10 worst excuses so just make sure yours is better than these !
- 1. My tax papers were left in the shed and the rat ate them
- 2. I’m not a paperwork-orientated person – I always relied on my sister to complete my returns but we have now fallen out
- 3. My accountant has been ill
- 4. My dog ate my tax return
- 5. I will be abroad on deadline day with no internet access so will be unable to file
- 6. My laptop broke, so did my washing machine
- 7. My niece had moved in – she made the house so untidy I could not find my log-in details to complete my return online
- 8. My husband ran over my laptop
- 9. I had an argument with my wife and went to Italy for 5 years
- 10. I had a cold which took a long time to go
The excuses were all used in unsuccessful appeals against HMRC penalties for late returns.
The published list comes with a reminder, as the deadline for sending 2014-15 tax returns to HMRC, and paying any tax owed, is 31 January 2016.