SMALL firms and individual taxpayers in Huddersfield yet to file their returns have been handed a two-day reprieve.
HM Revenue and Customs has put back the January 31 deadline for anyone who submits their self-assessment tax returns online by two days after public sector union the PCS announced strikes at call centres and inquiry offices.
The announcement effectively means that no fines will be handed out to anyone who submits their self-assessment tax returns online in the first two days on February.
The news will come as a relief for many after HMRC introduced a much tougher system this year – with £100 penalties applying to late filers, whether or not there is tax owed.
Nick Brook who runs TaxAssist Accountants in Lockwood, said: “On average, 90,000 people ring the call centres for help filing their returns, so the strikes were a big concern for many small businesses and taxpayers. This is great news for those struggling to submit their tax returns online by 31st January 2012.”
Anyone who files after February 2 will be fined £100. An appeals procedure is in place.
