8 January 2014

Self Assessment Late filing penalty excuses not accepted by HMRC

The oddest excuses for late filing recently published by HMRC! (they all received a £100 penalty!)

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
4. My wife won' t give me my mail
5. My husband told me the deadline was 31 March, and I believed him
6. I have been far too busy touring the country with my one-man play
7. My bad back means I can't go upstairs. That's where my tax return is (a working taxi driver)
8. I have been cruising round the world in my yacht, only picking up post when I' m on dry land
9. Our business doesn't really do anything (Kent financial services firm)
10. I hav been too busy submitting my clients' tax returns (London accountant!)