Unbelievable

Worst excuses for late filed tax returns

With the Self Assessment deadline looming, HMRC have published the ten worst excuses given by taxpayers for filing their tax returns late.

The excuses were all used in unsuccessful appeals against penalties levied for late returns:

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.

While HMRC will not accept spurious excuses when the vast majority make the deadline and pay their due taxes, the department does recognise that a number of taxpayers may have difficulties completing their tax return on time. For instance, those affected by flooding at their premises, or their agents’ premises, will not have a penalty imposed on them if their return is filed without unreasonable delay.

Ruth Owen, HMRC Director General of Personal Tax, said:

“Untidy family members and hungry pets are very unlikely to be accepted as a legitimate excuse for completing your tax return late.

We understand that life can be unpredictable and for those customers who have a genuine excuse for missing the 31 January deadline, such as the flooding, help is on hand. My advice would be to contact us through our helplines or online, as soon as possible. But for those who are trying to play the system, while the rest of us do the right thing, the message is clear: submit your tax return online by 31 January or face a fine. We’re here to help people in genuine distress, but not to act as a free lender to people who can’t meet their responsibilities to pay their tax.”