Despite professional bodies lobbying HMRC to extend the 31 January 2021 Tax Return filing deadline due to the impact of the pandemic sadly their efforts have been in vain and 2020 Tax Returns submitted after 31 January 2021 will still incur the £100 late filing penalty.
However HMRC accept the pandemic as a reasonable excuse for failing to file on time which means that the fixed £100 penalty can be appealed against providing the tax return is filed as soon as possible and the reason for the delay is clearly explained.
Nevertheless we recommend you complete your 2020 Tax Return now to give yourself peace of mind get it out of the way and to find out how much you owe sooner rather than later to help budget and plan for your 31 January 2021 tax payment.
If you can’t pay your tax bill in full
HMRC are aware that many individuals are in financial difficulty due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. If you can’t pay your tax liability in full by 31 January 2021 you may be able to use the Self-Serve Time to Pay service to set up a payment plan of up to 12 months online without speaking to HMRC.
Find out more by searching “difficulties paying HMRC” on GOV.UK.
A word about scams – be vigilant
We are all aware of an increase in scam emails calls and texts. If someone gets in touch claiming to be from HMRC saying that you can claim financial help or that you’re owed a tax refund and asks you to click on a link or to give information such as your name credit card or bank details please do not respond.
You can forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.