Further to the Perrys blog published on 27 January 2012, which outlined the deadlines and penalties associated with self assessment tax returns, HM Revenue & Customs seem to be really cracking down hard on late filers.
HMRC have recently issued letters to individuals who have still yet to submit a tax return for 2010/11 (originally due for submission by 31 January 2012). These letters issue a stern warning that failure to file the 2010/11 tax return could soon lead to penalties of at least £1,600 being charged to the late filer.
The letter clearly states that the individual has already incurred the automatic late filing penalty of £100 (with interest accruing) and warns that daily penalties will begin to be charged from 1 May 2012!
These daily penalties will be charged at £10 per day and can run for a maximum of 90 days.
Following the end of this 90 day period, should the return still not be filed, HMRC will charge a further minimum penalty of £300 (or 5% of the tax due for prolonged failures).
Should the tax return still not be filed 12 months after the original filing deadline, a further minimum penalty of £300 will be charged.
So an initial £100, plus maximum daily penalties of £900, plus a further £300 (for being 6 months late) and a final £300 (for being 12 months late) give us the total minimum penalties levied by HMRC of £1,600!
Finally, a higher 70% of tax due penalty could be issued where a return is over twelve months late and that person has deliberately withheld information necessary for the tax due to be assessed by HM Revenue & Customs. This penalty could be up to 100% if the failure is deemed to be deliberate with concealment.
If you have received a letter from HMRC recently warning of penalties of £1,600, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Perrys offices. We will be able to assist in the preparation and submission of your late 2010/11 income tax return to ensure that any potential penalties are kept to an absolute minimum.
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