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<p>The Government has carefully considered the arguments for extending the Self-Assessment
filing date from 31 January and has decided on balance not to do so. The January deadline
has been in place for many years and changing it could undermine customer understanding
and trust in how the Self-Assessment system works. However, the Government recognises
that some taxpayers will have difficulty submitting their Self-Assessment return due
to the impact COVID-19 has had on their personal or business circumstances.</p><p>
</p><p>HMRC do not charge penalties for failure to submit a return on time where taxpayers
have a reasonable excuse. HMRC’s guidance explains that they will accept the impact
of COVID-19 as a reasonable excuse for submitting a return late, provided that taxpayers
explain how they were affected and submit the return as soon as they can. More information
is available in the HMRC online guidance covering the reasonable excuse provisions.</p><p>
</p><p>Once they have submitted their return, taxpayers who are unable to pay all
of their Self-Assessment tax due on 31 January can access HMRC’s enhanced Time to
Pay arrangements. These allow liabilities of up to £30,000 – increased from £10,000
– to be paid in up to 12 instalments without having to contact HMRC beforehand.</p>
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