Accountants warn on late returns

Date: 5th October 2009

Britons planning to fill in paper self-assessment tax returns have been warned by accountants that they could miss the deadline as a result of postal strikes.

Taxpayers, including self-employed sole traders and people working in partnerships, might face a £100 fine if their paper returns reach HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) after October 31st, the Independent on Sunday reported.

Localised postal strikes from workers unsatisfied with employment conditions are ongoing in the UK, resulting in many late deliveries.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has also balloted members on the possibility of national strike action - which could have a much wider effect.

Speaking to the newspaper, Chas Roy-Chowdhury, head of taxation at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, said: "It is always risky to put off filing until the last minute but, considering the regularity of postal strikes and difficulties in obtaining HMRC forms through the income tax helpline, taxpayers who want to avoid a fine should send their return as soon as possible."

Many customers filling in paper returns could fill in an online form instead - which carries a deadline of January 31st.

Up to three million Britons fill in some form of self-assessment return.

The results of the CWU ballot are to be released later this week.