Help: I didn't file 2021 tax return, have £1600 penalties

kromak

I was a sole trader until Nov 2019, filed 2020 tax return, then moved back to my home country (EU). I must have done sth wrong with closing my sole trader operations, as HMRC assumed im still in the UK and generating income. I have contacted HMRC so they don't chase me for later tax returns, but advised me to file 2021 return and send an appeal against penalties for late filing. But Im too afraid I will put myself into bigger trouble while filing the return. Would you recommend an advisor who would help with the case? What would you do in this kind of situation? Thank you

Dazed_and_C0nfused

If you genuinely didn't have a reason to file a return then you can always ask HMRC to withdraw the return for 2020/21 (assuming you mean 2020/21 and not 2021/22, your post isn't clear).

kromak

Thanks for your reply, correct I meant 2020/2021 year. Once I've realised the were penalties imposed, I have contacted HMRC via their chat service and they removed me for the 21/22, 22/23 and future tax years. Is this considered a withdrawal you mentioned? In regards to 20/21 I was told I need to complete a tax return and write an appeal letter against the fines.