Appealing Self-Assessment late penalty

NoraNoir

Hi all. I’m being fined for a self-assessment penalty for year 2018-19 and possibly the years since. I’ve been very unwell with a relapse in bipolar disorder since Dec 19, and my recovery was greatly hindered by the pandemic and all that came with it (access to services etc.) I’m slowly picking up the pieces again and getting ready to try to deal with it. I’m on PIP (high care rate) and UC (no work capability group - not sure if that’s quite the wording) I think I have all the paperwork, sick notes etc over this period. Just wondering if anyone has any advice on how to go about appealing as I’ve obviously missed the 28 day deadline by quite some time. Is there any hope of avoiding a huge fine? Any organisations that might help advocate for me (I struggle to talk on the phone sometimes if I’m too stressed as it brings on a stammer so I’m worried about having to do this) Thank you! 

Jeremy535897

There are reasonable excuses for late filing that can get a penalty cancelled:
https://www.gov.uk/tax-appeals/reasonable-excuses

It might be worth you having a chat with someone at Taxaid:
https://taxaid.org.uk/

Dazed_and_C0nfused

There is some useful information here,

https://www.litrg.org.uk/tax-guides/tax-basics/enquiries-penalties-appeals-complaints-and-debt/tax-penalties

I don't believe there is anything to stop you from making a late appeal and depending on your age this organisation may be able to help or you could try Citizens Advice

https://taxvol.org.uk/index.php/our-services/our-advice-service/

The first thing that springs to mind though is what was the reason you were required to complete a return for 2018:19?  

NoraNoir

Thank you both @Jeremy535897 and @Dazed_and_C0nfused. I will have a look at these links. 

Also - yes, my mistake, it was 2017-18, 2018-19 and possibly this year too. Recently I submitted the form saying I haven’t been self employed since Dec 19, as well as at the time I believe (although I can’t be sure as I was so unwell then) and filled in and submitted my self assessments with zeros all the way through for the last two years (albeit only making the deadline for 2020-2021). However I just got another letter today requesting I fill in my self assessment…  So I’m a bit lost with trying to do it on my own now. I hope these websites will help and I plan to call HMRC this week to see what can be done. Thanks again and wish me luck! 

[Deleted User]

NoraNoir said:

Thank you both @Jeremy535897 and @Dazed_and_C0nfused. I will have a look at these links. 

Also - yes, my mistake, it was 2017-18, 2018-19 and possibly this year too. Recently I submitted the form saying I haven’t been self employed since Dec 19, as well as at the time I believe (although I can’t be sure as I was so unwell then) and filled in and submitted my self assessments with zeros all the way through for the last two years (albeit only making the deadline for 2020-2021). However I just got another letter today requesting I fill in my self assessment…  So I’m a bit lost with trying to do it on my own now. I hope these websites will help and I plan to call HMRC this week to see what can be done. Thanks again and wish me luck! 

You will be informed to put the appeal in writing outlining the full circumstances - it will not be granted in a telephone call. Personally, in my experience, you have a reasonable case.

NoraNoir

Thank you @[Deleted User]. Yes, I imagine I will need to send stuff in to evidence it all. Good to know I still might have a chance of appealing. I guess a call might just help navigate it a bit. I have tried before but didn’t get very far & ended up in a horrible state. I’m hoping now I have at least looked at it recently and filled more forms in (or think I have?) I might be in a slightly better place to talk. 

NoraNoir

just to let you all know that I sent off a letter and all my evidence of illness to HMRC today. I’ll let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed! 

NoraNoir

Thank you @[Deleted User] @Jeremy535897 @Dazed_and_C0nfused I’ve had a reply from HMRC. They accepted my appeal and dropped all the late submission penalties. Thank goodness! They also worked out that they owed me £248, which I had no idea about, so that was a lovely bonus too! So glad that matter is dealt with and not hanging over me any more. Thank you so much for your information - it really helped to give me the push and the confidence get on with tackling it all 🙌

[Deleted User]

NoraNoir said:

Thank you @[Deleted User] @Jeremy535897 @Dazed_and_C0nfused I’ve had a reply from HMRC. They accepted my appeal and dropped all the late submission penalties. Thank goodness! They also worked out that they owed me £248, which I had no idea about, so that was a lovely bonus too! So glad that matter is dealt with and not hanging over me any more. Thank you so much for your information - it really helped to give me the push and the confidence get on with tackling it all 🙌

Excellent news - great to hear the feedback!

Jeremy535897

[Deleted User] said:

NoraNoir said:

Thank you @[Deleted User] @Jeremy535897 @Dazed_and_C0nfused I’ve had a reply from HMRC. They accepted my appeal and dropped all the late submission penalties. Thank goodness! They also worked out that they owed me £248, which I had no idea about, so that was a lovely bonus too! So glad that matter is dealt with and not hanging over me any more. Thank you so much for your information - it really helped to give me the push and the confidence get on with tackling it all 🙌

Excellent news - great to hear the feedback!

Indeed, thank you for letting us know.