Taxman on strike

Tomorrow (31 January) is the deadline for submitting tax returns, and the taxman has very helpfully gone on strike.

So what happens to any returns that cannot be filed because the offices are shut, or some such thing?

Not to worry, HMRC have put up a notice saying you should 'file as soon as possible on the following day'. In any case, returns filed on 1 February, while technically 'late', are not subject to a penalty. This is a long-standing HMRC practice.

If, however, you get an automatic late filing penalty, you can always appeal on the grounds of reasonable excuse.

Let me how how you get on.