Member Article

Sunday not a day of rest for self assessment

Chartered accountants are warning taxpayers that they will still be liable for a fine if they fail to submit their self assessment online by the deadline of 31 January, even though the day falls on a Sunday this year. The advice comes as a record number of taxpayers are expected to file online, up from last year’s figure of 5.8 million.

Mike Ranson, President of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants, said: “Do not think that just because the deadline falls on a Sunday, HMRC will not be strict in handing out fines to those who file late. Even if you file your return in the early hours of Monday 1 February, you will still be liable to a £100 penalty. Don’t treat Sunday 31 January as a day off if you haven’t already filed and make sure you do so before the midnight deadline.”

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has provided tips for those due to file by the end of the month, and the guide can be found at www.icaew.com.

Mike Ranson added: “The tips provided by the ICAEW give guidance to those with straightforward tax affairs. If however you find yourself struggling with the online form or have more complicated tax affairs, contact a chartered accountant who will be able to help. Year after year people leave it to the last minute so make it a resolution to get it done early.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .