For those individuals who have previously submitted ‘paper’ self assessment tax returns the deadline for the 2015/16 return is 31 October 2016. Returns submitted after that date must be submitted electronically or they will incur a minimum penalty of £100. The penalty applies even when there is no tax to pay or the tax is paid on time.

If you would like any help with the completion of your return please do get in touch.

Internet link: GOV.UK Self Assessment

 Merry Christmas to everyone from all at McGinty Demack!

HMRC have reported that:

• a record breaking 24,546 people submitted their tax return online on New Year’s Eve
• more than 11,467 people sent off their self assessment tax return on New Year’s Day
• and in excess of 2,000 taxpayers submitted their tax returns on Christmas Day.

Ruth Owen, Director General of Personal Tax, HMRC, said:

‘As we all enjoy the festive season it’s easy to see how completing your tax return can be forgotten, but the 31 January deadline will be here quicker than we think.’

The deadline for sending 2014/15 tax returns to HMRC, and paying any tax owed, is 31 January 2016. Please contact us if you need help with your self assessment return.

Internet link: GOV.UK news

HMRC have set up a helpline (number is 0800 904 7900) and will enable anyone affected to get practical help and advice on a wide range of tax problems they may be facing. HMRC will also:

• agree instalment arrangements where taxpayers are unable to pay as a result of the floods
• agree a practical approach when individuals and businesses have lost vital records in the floods
• suspend debt collection proceedings for those affected by the floods
• cancel penalties when the taxpayer has missed statutory deadlines.

Internet link: GOV.UK news

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is warning companies making nuisance calls to expect more fines in 2016.

The ICO has reported that they imposed more than £1,000,000 worth of penalties for nuisance calls and text messages in 2015, and anticipates they will issue a similar amount in early 2016.

The fines issued in 2015 included:

• £295,000 of fines for companies offering call blocking or nuisance call prevention services
• an £80,000 fine to a PPI claims firm that sent 1.3 million text messages
• a £200,000 fine to a solar panels company that made six million nuisance calls
• a £130,000 fine to a pharmacy company that was selling customer details to postal marketing companies

In addition the ICO report that the fines related to nuisance marketing in 2015 amounted to £1,135,000. These included £400,000 fines for nuisance texts, £575,000 fines for nuisance calls and a £130,000 fine for selling customer records for marketing. Details of the businesses penalised and fined can be found by using the hyperlink.

Andy Curry, ICO Enforcement Group Manager, said:

‘Nuisance marketing calls frustrate people. The law is clear around what is allowed, and we’ve been clear that we will fine companies who don’t follow the law. That will continue in 2016. We’ve got 90 on going investigations, and a million pounds worth of fines in the pipeline.’

According to the ICO, PPI claims prompted the most complaints, followed by accident claims. Areas identified as emerging sectors for nuisance calls and texts included call blocking services, oven cleaning services and industrial hearing injury claims.

Internet link: ICO news