HMRC DENY TERMINAL ILLNESS AS REASONABLE EXCUSE !

HM Revenue & Customs have succeeded in a penalty claim for late tax payment when the taxpayer was diagnosed as terminally ill.  Given the circumstances, the amount of tax due and the amount of recoverable penalty it does question HMRC's approach to tax recovery on a cost benefit basis.

The full story can be found at  http://www.accountingweb.co.uk/article/man-s-terminal-illness-not-reasonable-excuse-late-payment-tax/562710

Special Notice about Electronic PAYE payment dates

To avoid paying late you must make sure HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have cleared funds by the due date.  If you pay electronically this is the 22nd of each month.  However, when the 22nd falls on a non banking day, (weekend or bank holiday), HMRC must have cleared funds by the last bank working day before the 22nd.

For example:  2011-12 PAYE month 6 for the period ended 5 October 2011. 

The due date of 22 October 2011 fell on a Saturday - a non banking day - if paying electronically, your PAYE payment must have cleared HMRC's bank account by Friday 21 October 2011.

You may therefore need to change any automatic payment dates to ensure you pay on time.  If you do not do so, you will be noted by HMRC as paying late, and late payments for this tax year may result in a penalty being charged.

For further details go to:  Late Payments

Latest Newsletter

Walker Thompson Newsletter 48


Walker Thompson's Monthly Newsletter is now available.  There are as usual a number of interesting points to consider, and keep in mind.  Especially pertinent is the increase in the National Minimum Wage which comes in in October 2011.

Follow the links below for more information, as well as links to the relevant government website.
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE RATES
ADVISORY FUEL RATES FOR COMPANY CARS
AGREEMENT WITH SWITZERLAND TO SECURE BILLIONS IN UNPAID TAX
UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES
HMRC REMINDER ON NEW TAX RETURN PENALTIES
SCHOOL CHARITIES - GIFT AID AND PAYROLL GIVING GUIDE
REVISED CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PENALTIES
HMRC REPORT INCREASE IN PHISHING SCAMS
INSOLVENCY UPDATE