HMRC announces deadline extension

Date: 27th January 2012

HM Revenue & Customs has effectively extended the deadline for self-assessment (SA) tax returns, it has been announced.

The department has confirmed that it will not be issuing penalties for people who file their returns on February 1st and 2nd.

It comes as HMRC plan further industrial action on January 31st - the actual deadline - over plans to outsource an increasing amount of their work to the private sector.

Stephen Banyard, Acting Director of General Personal Tax at HMRC, said: "We've always been very clear that we want the returns - not the penalties. For that reason, we don't want anyone who can't get through for help and advice on January 31st to be disadvantaged in any way."

Jo Nockels, Training and Communications Manager at TaxAssist Accountants, added: "This will come as comforting news to a number of individuals.

"The strikes were a big concern so this is great news for taxpayers struggling to submit their tax returns online by January 31st."

Posted by Emily Smith