HMRC admits online tax returns 'glitch'

Date: 27th January 2009

An online glitch in the system for filing self-assessment tax returns has led to confusion among taxpayers.

Internet users who logged on to HM Revenue and Customs' (HMRC) website in the past few days may have noticed that they were able to ask to pay any taxation owed for 2007/08 through their PAYE code for 2009/10.

This option should have been disabled at the end of December and HMRC stated it was investigating the problem "urgently".

Head of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chas Roy-Chowdhury, told BBC News: "If the revenue are still offering this, even if it is a mistake, they should honour it.

"These are among the most vulnerable among the self-assessment taxpayers as they probably do not have professional help."

The final deadline for all self-assessment tax returns is January 31st, and all submissions must be made through HMRC's website.

Those who need advice on successfully completing their tax returns should consider consulting an accountant.