HMRC gives two day leeway on late Self Assessment filing penalties

HMRC has announced that it will not impose any late filing penalties for people who file their Self Assessment returns on 1 and 2 February 2012. This is due to the possibility that some may not be able to get through to HMRC call centres on the 31 January because of expected call volumes.

The Self Assessment deadline remains midnight on 31 January. But HMRC will treat all returns that come in by midnight on 2 February as though they were submitted by 31 January. No customer will have to pay interest on payments due on 31 January that are paid on 1 or 2 February.

HMRC Acting Director General Personal Tax, Stephen Banyard, said: “We’ve always been very clear that we want the returns – not the penalties. For that reason, we don’t want anyone who can’t get through for help and advice on 31 January to be disadvantaged in any way.”

However, we advise that you do not leave it until the last minute and aim to submit your Self Assessment as soon as possible. Please contact our tax team if you need any help.

HMRC press release – www.hmrc.gov.uk/press/index.htm