Year-end & cash flow

HMRC’s new late submission penalty point model lands mixed response

Tax campaigners have broadly welcomed HMRC’s proposed reforms to late submissions penalties, but warned of potential confusion among taxpayers.

In new draft legislation ahead of Making Tax Digital, HMRC has put forward a penalty point? model for self-assessment tax returns submitted after the deadline.

Penalty point model

Under the new plans, taxpayers would receive a point for every missed deadline, at a certain threshold dictated by the frequency of their submission obligations.

Penalty thresholds

Annual submissions: 2 points

Quarterly submissions: 4 points

Monthly submissions: 5 points

After the threshold has been reached, HMRC will charge a penalty for each missed submission.

A period of good compliance will see penalty points erased by HMRC.

Good compliance

Annual submissions: 2 submissions

Quarterly submissions: 4 submissions

Monthly submissions: 6 submissions

Both penalty points and fines are appealable, giving taxpayers an opportunity to submit reasonable excuses for missed deadlines.

In response to HMRC’s proposals, the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) claimed the model would be easy for taxpayers to understand.

Commenting on the way the points model had been developed, Joanne Walker, LITRG technical officer, welcomed the open approach adopted by HMRC.

hMRC have consulted on many aspects of the penalty regime in recent years, particularly with a view to ensuring that it is fit for purpose for Making Tax Digital, Walker said.

this is welcome, as is the fact that a number of LITRG concerns have been taken on board.

we are pleased that a penalty point model has been adopted for late submission of returns, as in general, we think this should be easy for taxpayers to understand.”

However, Walker added that the introduction of a 15-day period in which a reduced penalty might apply could lead to confusion.

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