Payment on account letters delayed
HMRC has said self-assessment returns have been delayed by a month
THE TAXMAN’S issuing of self assessment statements to taxpayers who use payment on account has been delayed by at least a month, it has announced.
A HM Revenue & Customs spokesman said that there had been four times the amount of demand for payment on account, which allows taxpayers to pay their returns in two six-month instalments. It is unclear why there has been such an increase in demand and HMRC are reviewing this, he added.
The statements were supposed to be sent out at the beginning of July, but they are still being processed. HMRC is unsure when they will be sent out, but it is likely to be within the next few weeks. Information about the returns is still available online, the spokesman said. Taxpayers will be given an extended deadline to pay the returns, HMRC confirmed.
The spokesman said: “This in no way prevents the accurate payment of tax and no one will be out of pocket as a result. Account information can be viewed on line so it isn’t necessary to wait for a paper statement.
“We very much regret any inconvenience and will send paper statements to everyone who should have one as soon as possible.”