The deadline for sending in tax returns to HMRC is tomorrow - and anyone who submits their forms late could receive a fine.
Self-employed workers must file their tax return by 11.59pm on January 31, 2023, or incur penalties that start at £100. While there is no way to extend the deadline, HMRC will waive the penalty fee if a person has a "reasonable excuse" for submitting the documents late.
Tax specialist Adam Park told Birmingham Live: "The key dates for income tax don't change year-on-year, which makes them easy to plan for and manage. The most critical deadline, January 31, marks the end of the self-assessment and payment period for income tax.
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"This date poses a significant financial burden for the self-employed and those receiving dividends from their employment. With the added stress on household expenses, managing tax bills may prove to be a challenge in the current climate."
The 8 excuses HMRC will accept for missing the tax deadline
According to Adam, who is a tax specialist at Zest R&D, you might be able to fight a fine for missing the HMRC deadline with one of these excuses:
Your partner or another close relative died shortly before the tax return or payment deadline.
You had an unexpected stay in hospital that prevented you from dealing with your tax affairs.
You had a serious or life-threatening illness.
Your computer or software failed just before or while you were preparing your online return.
If there's a problem with the HMRC website that means you can't complete your online form.
There were problems with the postal service that were beyond your control.
A fire, flood or theft meant that you couldn't complete your tax return.
If you have a disability that caused you to not be able to meet the deadline.
How do you appeal against a penalty?
Tomorrow's deadline relates to the 2021/22 tax year, which ended on April 5, 2022. With only a day to go, HMRC estimated around 3.4million people had still not filed their returns. A total of 8.7million can rest easy, having completed theirs.
If the HMRC sends you a penalty letter, an appeal form will come in the post too. The appeal should be sent to the HMRC's address for Self Assessment enquiries, which is: Self Assessment, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AS, United Kingdom.
If you receive your penalty notice via email you can fill in an SA370 form to appeal.
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