In recent years, HMRC have revealed the ‘top 10 oddest excuses’ for sending in a late tax return.  In certain circumstances, HMRC acknowledge that there could be a reasonable excuse for filing your return late, however, we can confirm that you won’t be successful with the following.

  1. My pet goldfish died (self-employed builder).
  2. I had a run-in with a cow (Midlands farmer).
  3. After seeing a volcanic eruption on the news, I couldn’t concentrate on anything else (London woman).
  4. My wife won’t give me my mail (self-employed trader).
  5. My husband told me the deadline was 31st March, and I believed him (Leicester hairdresser).
  6. I’ve been far too busy touring the country with my one-man play (Coventry writer).
  7. My bad back means I can’t go upstairs.  That’s where my tax return is (Self-employed taxi driver).
  8. I’ve been cruising around the world in my yacht, and only picking up post when I’m on dry land (South East man).
  9. Our business doesn’t really do anything (Kent financial services firm)
  10. I’ve been too busy submitting my clients’ tax returns (London accountant).

Remember, if HMRC have issued you with a 2021/22 self-assessment tax return, then it needs to be filed by 31st January, other penalties will be applied.

At Drummond Laurie we are always here to help and if you would like to know more about the tax or other services we offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing hello@drummondlaurie.co.uk