Three-month extension for tax appeals

HMRC is allowing taxpayers an extra three months to appeal against any tax decision dated February 2020 or later if an individual or business is affected by Covid-19. However taxpayers should submit their appeals as soon as they can. The same extension applies to appeals against penalty assessments.

Dawn Register partner in tax dispute resolution at BDO said: ‘This extension is welcome news as any clarification about how HMRC is going to help those affected by Covid-19 is helpful to remove uncertainty and distress. This is also in line with Companies House which recently announced three-month filing extensions for accounts. 

‘HMRC is looking to help people most acutely affected by Covid-19 for example those bereaved but also taxpayers impacted by the challenges the lockdown presents. For example some businesses and accountants haven’t been able to collect their post and will miss deadlines where HMRC only correspond...