Late Tax Return Excuses – What HMRC Accepts

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Late tax return excuses can save you a penalty if you miss a filing deadline. Whether it is your Self Assessment, VAT return or Corporation Tax (CT600), Southside Accountants helps clients across Wimbledon, South London and nationwide resolve penalties and communicate with HMRC.

Late Tax Return Excuses HMRC Accepts

HMRC will consider an excuse if something completely outside your control stopped you filing on time.

Examples HMRC Has Accepted

• Severe illness: Hospitalisation that prevented access to records.
• Bereavement: Close family death just before the deadline.
• IT failure: Verified software or internet outage during submission.
• Flood or fire: Physical damage destroying records.

Read HMRC’s official list here: gov.uk/tax-appeals/reasonable-excuses

Excuses HMRC Usually Rejects

Common Rejections

• I forgot the deadline.
• My accountant was too busy.
• The online system was confusing.
• I thought I had more time.

Remember – a late filing penalty starts at £100 and can escalate quickly. Daily penalties, 5 % surcharges and interest apply if the return or the tax remains outstanding. Presenting valid circumstances early can stop extra charges piling up.

How to Appeal a Penalty

• Online through your Government Gateway
• By post using form SA370
• Or let Southside Accountants handle it for you

Include a timeline, an explanation, and evidence (medical letters, error logs, death certificates, insurance reports).

Find more guidance in our Tax Articles library.

Typical Late Filing Excuses for Businesses

• Key staff illness at peak season
• Unexpected resignation just before year-end
• Major software outage for Making Tax Digital VAT
• Family emergency blocking access to records

Final Thoughts

If your return was late due to genuine, unavoidable circumstances, act quickly, gather proof, and present your case clearly. We are ready to help.