HMRC have revealed that 10.39 million Self Assessment tax returns were completed ahead of the 31 January deadline which is more than 92% of the total returns expected, and 150,000 more than last year.
More than 89% of taxpayers (9.24 million) filed their return electronically.
However the ten worst excuses for missing the 31 January Self Assessment deadline for 2013 to 14 have been revealed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
From broken kitchen appliances, hungry pets and arguments that last five years – some people will stop at nothing to pass the blame for their tardy timekeeping. Some of the excuses submitted included:
- My tax papers were left in the shed and the rat ate them
- I’m not a paperwork orientated person – I always relied on my sister to complete my returns but we have now fallen out
- My accountant has been ill
- My dog ate my tax return
- I will be abroad on deadline day with no internet access so will be unable to file
- My laptop broke, so did my washing machine
- My niece had moved in – she made the house so untidy I could not find my log in details to complete my return online
- My husband ran over my laptop
- I had an argument with my wife and went to Italy for 5 years
- I had a cold which took a long time to go
The excuses were all used in unsuccessful appeals against HMRC penalties for late returns.
An automatic £100 penalty applies to those failing to file their return by 31 January 2016 midnight deadline
