HMRC apologises for statement delays

An apology has been issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) after thousands of self assessment calculations were not sent to their intended recipients.

The tax body admitted that many people are still waiting for their self assessment forms, which should have been sent out in December, despite the tax return deadline looming at the end of this month.

HMRC also revealed that many customers had received deadline reminders with blank calculation slips.

According to Accountancy Age, some advisers have estimated that up to 500,000 people could still be waiting for their self assessment information, with less than two weeks to go until the January 31st deadline.

HMRC said in a statement that it was "very sorry for the inconvenience" and assured customers that all outstanding cases will be sent a fully updated statement this week.

The organisation is urging people to file their tax returns online this year in order to save time.