I got a babysitter this morning so I could do my tax return - she's been here 2 HOURS and I still can't get onto the ****ing website!

[franch]

Phoned the helpdesk, they did all the usual 'clear your cookie cache' stuff - their final advice was to disable my 'autofill', and if I couldn't remember my password, request a new one online.

Did this nearly an hour ago and the new password hasn't arrived yet.

I did explain that I can log in OK, so I don't understand why I have to tinker around with the login, passwords etc - it's once I've logged in, I can't get to the actual tax return page. I'm convinced the problem's at their end not mine.

As if tax returns weren't sh*tty enough without this palaver ...

Finally got the new password - still can't get in

dp had a palavar last night too. It said something about DOB not matching with tax credit DOB. Before he knew it it was saying they were posting something out to him.

Print off the forms and do it by hand?

I think they may ba a bit swamped with people doing it at the last minute. Perhaps the website can't cope

Write an email complaining and ask what you are supposed to do now.

Didn't think of that ladymuck - the helpline woman's just suggested it

Am printing out but babysitter's about to go - she's been here FOUR HOURS

I think the problem is at their end because I couldn't get on on Sunday but I got on fine yesterday.

Unfortunately I can't finish the damn thing because I'm still waiting for figures from the bank - arrrghghghghghghghg!

Just tried it and I got on fine (only 30% complete though -a rgh, it's gonna be late!)_

You can use estimated figures so long as you disclose that they are estimates and explain that you're wiaiting for the info.

thats the risk of leaving it until a few days before [smug emoticon]

elphaba - I thought the banks were obliged to ssend you tax information promptly enough for you to complete your returns in good time? They normally arrive in May/June.

Hey Kewcumber - I know! I don't know why I've left it till now - what an eejit!!

I asked for the info about 3 weeks ago - they have assured me it will be here this week.

I'm sure that info used to come automatically but with RBS you have to request it. Barstewards.

I am sitting here waiting for my tax return to be submitted. It's been "loading" for about 40 mins now.

I was ready to submit the form on 12 Jan, but needed 2 pieces of information from my (ex) business partner's accountant, which he sent me yesterday.

I am going to leave it overnight to see what happens, am nervous of trying to cancel it, as don't want to lose the whole thing...

Am annoyed as it's not my fault I couldn't do it before now...

Just make sure you have paid any tax due, they can't charge you £100 penalty when you owe them nothing, and you can send in the return later (although they don't really advertise that fact).

Ah, so if I send them the money (know exactly how much I owe), them even if the form hasn't gone through, they won't fine me £100?

I cancelled the submission and have tried again, not too hopeful, it's still "loading". Will try again when I get up tomorrow morning, 6:30, perhaps it will be less busy then.

Am quite that I have to go through this due to someone else's incompetence.

Hopefully. You need to be really sure you have paid enough though.

See www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/penalties.htm#5

If - when the tax return comes in - the correct amount of tax payable at the due date is less than the fixed penalties, then the penalties will be reduced to the amount of the tax that is due.

So if tax due = £0 then penalty should also = £0

[disclaimer - accepts no responsibility for any late payment or other penalty ....]

Do bear in mind that if anything should happen which increases your tax return (eg an HMRC enquiry changes your deductibles), and you subsequently have additional tax to pay then you also are liable for the late return fine.