Milsted Langdon is reminding people that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) could be forced to waive or reduce penalties for taxpayers who filed returns late or incorrectly because the tax authority did not answer their telephone calls.

Ministers have condemned HMRC for its customer service after an official report claimed that half of all calls received in the first six months of the year – totalling 12 million – were not answered.

HMRC commented: “We work very much on a case-by-case basis but if you phoned us and couldn’t get through we would take that into account. We know our customer service hasn’t been as good as it should be so we have moved a further 3,000 people into them and things are getting better.”

Simon Denton, Tax Partner at Milsted Langdon said: “This really is a turnaround and shows that HMRC have accepted their poor service is not acceptable. The deadline for submitting online self-assessment tax returns is 31 January 2016 but this date should not be looked upon with complacency. Fines may still be issued for anyone that submits a late return.

“Milsted Langdon can take away the anxiety of self-assessment and allow you to focus on doing what you do best; running your business.”

For guidance and support with self-assessment tax returns, please contact us.