Worst excuses for not filling out a tax return: 2020 update

It’s that time of year again. No, not dry January, but the yearly update from HMRC on the worst excuses they receive from people who failed to submit their tax return on time.

We’ll leave you to make up your mind as to which, if any, are genuine:

I couldn’t file my return on time as my wife has been seeing aliens and won’t let me enter the houseI’ve been far too busy touring the country with my one-man playMy ex-wife left my tax return upstairs, but I suffer from vertigo and can’t go upstairs to retrieve itMy business doesn’t really do anythingI spilt coffee on it

So what does count as a reasonable excuse?

Just so there’s no doubt as to what can get you off a missed deadline, HMRC outline acceptable reasons for not submitting your tax return before the due date. And none of them involve vertigo or treading the boards:

The death of a close relative or partner shortly before the deadlineAn unexpected stay in hospitalA serious or life-threatening illnessComputer or software failureOnline service issuesA fire, flood or theftUnpredictable postal delaysDelays due to a disability

While EIC Insurance Services can’t help with your tax return, we can help lighten the load on your insurance.

If you’re self-employed and have an office in your spare room it’s important to make sure any equipment your use or stock you house is protected by the right insurance.

Speak to the team at EIC Insurance on 01442 286910 or via email to see how we can help ensure you’re covered.