12/03/2009 - Taxpayers given incorrect penalties
A "large number" of taxpayers have been wrongly fined £100 for filing their tax returns late despite making the January 31 deadline, it has been claimed.
According to the accountancy firm Baker Tilly, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued incorrect penalty notices to its clients who had filed their returns before the deadline.
The company said it contacted HMRC to inform staff of the error who said there there was a "growing pile" of complaints about incorrect penalties.
George Bull, Baker Tilly's national head of tax, expects that the problem could affect thousands of people judging by the number of complaints already received, as well as the feedback from the HMRC.
Mr Bull said: "Hard pressed taxpayers do not need this additional stress at this difficult time in the economic cycle. The £100 penalty, albeit small financially, can turn into a major administrative burden."
HMRC said it was aware of the problem but did not know how many taxpayers had been given incorrect penalties, but added that "there is no question of anyone having to pay a penalty if their return was filed on time".
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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