Reasonable Excuses for Late Tax Filings and Payments: What Qualifies?
In certain circumstances, you may be required to provide a reasonable excuse when challenging penalties, such as those imposed for late filing or late payment. Similarly, if you miss a deadline - such as failing to accept a review offer or appeal a decision in time - you may need to justify the delay.
A reasonable excuse is a genuine, unforeseeable event that prevented you from fulfilling your tax obligations. Examples include:
- The death of a partner or close family member shortly before the tax return or payment deadline.
- An unexpected hospital stay that hindered your ability to manage your tax affairs.
- A serious or life-threatening illness.
- Technical failures, such as a computer or software malfunction while preparing an online return.
- Service disruptions with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online systems.
- External events like fire, flood, or theft that prevented the completion of your tax return.
- Unforeseen postal delays beyond your control.
- Delays caused by a disability or mental health condition.
- A genuine misunderstanding or lack of awareness of your legal obligations.
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