HMRC - late submission

[Radiatorvalves]

Hello. I have had to do self assessments for a number of years, and have done so with no issues. However I’ve just received a letter saying I did not submit for last year (by 31 Jan 25) and have a hefty fine to pay. I’ve logged into the online system (which I only use when doing tax return as I’m not complicated!) and I can see they’ve sent a number of reminders.

The thing is I can recall doing the self assessment around October last year (and being a bit smug that I’d done it so early!). It seems as though I must have not pressed the final SUBMIT button correctly.

I have paid my fine, but can’t seem to submit the old 23/24 tax return…. The system is directing me to do my 24/25 return. I’m intending to call first thing on Monday, but if anyone knows how to find and submit the old return, please help!

With regard to the fine, it’s really money I can’t afford to lose (been made redundant). I get that it’s strict liability - no submission = fine. However if they’ve got all the info already (and can see I inputted it in October 24) and it’s a technical error with the submission button (or operator error by me) do you think there is any chance I’ll get it back?

I honestly had no idea there was a problem until I opened the post this morning. They even sent me a tax rebate a few weeks ago!!

Sorry not a tax rebate, but with drop in income post redundancy, a pension I receive has started paying a lot more as HMRC must have changed tax codes.

If you didn't submit it HMRC can't see it, it only exists in your account. You should have got an acknowledgement of receipt and a reference number to prove you submitted it if you did. I always print that out and put it with my documents. You should just be able to edit the old return and submit it, In the past I have done changes to previous year's returns when figures have got updated, you can go back a couple of years I think.

If you can't find it at all perhaps you are remembering the previous year? Time flies!

Thanks @BadgernTheGarden I’m pretty good about these things and DH remembers me saying I’d done it. I’ll call them on Monday. Really frustrating.

Just looked on my HMRC account and if I log in and go onto self assessment and scroll down there is 'previously filed returns' and underneath amend your 2023/24 return, which I assume would get you in.

Have a look at 'appeal a penalty' and see if any of the criteria could apply. Unfortunately from what you say it seems unlikely. HMRC penalty and fine rates are cruelly unfair, and penalise those on low incomes. The cost in proportion to assets, income or tax owed is extremely high for smaller amounts, and much lower for the wealthy. It is another example of institutional bullying.

Update! Yesterday I received a letter from HMRC saying they would repay the penalty in full plus a credit that is on my account.

i have to say I’m delighted and somewhat stunned. If you do get a penalty it may well be worth appealing.

Thanks all for your advice.

Really pleased to hear that

I was going to ask if you had a screenshot of your initial submission (or not submission, you know what I mean) 😂

I'm surprised they're aren't more successful cases because it's not a great system

I used to find them really nice when you phoned, but you can't phone any anymore can you? Or can you I don't know.

You can phone but it’s really hard work. I didn’t have a screenshot and although literally everything had been done bar the pressing of the submit button, all I had was my word. Maybe the system can tell I’d got that far, but a pp and the person I spoke to both said not.

Anyway, it’s not often you feel like sending 💐 to HMRC!