Top 10 worst excuses for not filing or paying tax returns

HM Revenue and Customs have released their latest list of the 10 worst excuses people have given for filing or paying their tax return late (yes, seriously):

1.      My pet dog ate my tax return…and all the reminders

2.      I was up a mountain in Wales, and couldn’t find a post box or get an internet signal

3.      I fell in with the wrong crowd

4.      I’ve been travelling the world, trying to escape from a foreign intelligence agency

5.      Barack Obama is in charge of my finances

6.      I’ve been busy looking after a flock of escaped parrots and some fox cubs

7.      A work colleague borrowed my tax return, to photocopy it, and didn’t give it back

8.      I live in a camper van in a supermarket car park

9.      My girlfriend’s pregnant

10.  I was in Australia

Whilst it is possible to appeal the late filing penalty that HMRC will automatically levy for filing or paying late, unsurprisingly, none of the above led to a successful appeal.

Given the above exactly what does count as a ‘reasonable excuse’?

A “good” reason for consideration has to be something unexpected or outside of your control.

For example, if your partner died shortly before the tax return or payment deadline, or if you had an unexpected health issue resulting in a stay in hospital that prevented you from dealing with your tax affairs, it is likely that this would be considered.

Excuses such as bounced payments, a general lack of funds, difficulty using the HMRC online system or the lack of a reminder letter would not be allowed as reasonable excuses.

Clearly, the best way of avoiding a late filing penalty is to submit your tax return, and pay any tax due, by the 31 January. No surprises, really.

If you need assistance with your tax return, give Omni Chartered Accountants a call now on 01902 837 408 or contact us.