Pay Academy

Self assessment statements usually issued by HMRC in July have been issued late this year. These statements include reminders to settle the second payment on account, where applicable, by 31 July 2011. However, as these were sent late (i.e. after the 31 July) as timely reminders they were pretty useless. By way of concession, HMRC have given an interest and penalty free period of 2 months for people to make this payment (now must be settled by the 27th September). They are keen to point out that this  “exceptional treatment for interest applies only to your second payment on account. You will have to pay interest on any other tax that you haven’t paid on time.”

The reason for these notices being late? Well, HMRC were a bit busy apparently. Well, you know what July is like…getting ready for holidays, schools breaking up, sun-tan cream to buy. I wonder if HMRC would deem that a “reasonable excuse” if I missed the odd deadline now and then?

Post filed under Comment and tagged HMRC, penalties, self assessment.