Her Majesty’s Revenue and Custom (HMRC) established by Act of Parliament in 2005   is United Kingdom’s tax and customs authority. It   report to Parliament through its Treasury minister. It is akin to CBDT in India

In UK, The deadline for sending 2015 tax returns to HMRC, and paying any tax owed, is 31 January 2016. As the deadline 31 January is nearing, HMRC has revealed ten worst excuses for non-complying  with the 31 January Self Assessment deadline last year 2013 to 14

According to HMRC the excuses ranges from broken kitchen appliances, hungry pets and arguments that last five years – some people will stop at nothing to pass the blame for their tardy timekeeping. The excuses are not only unbelievablebut funny too. The list reveals the following:

1.     My tax papers were left in the shed and the rat ate them

2.     I’m not a paperwork orientated person – I always relied on my sister to complete my returns but we have now fallen out

3.     My accountant has been ill

4.     My dog ate my tax return

5.     I will be abroad on deadline day with no internet access so will be unable to file

6.     My laptop broke, so did my washing machine

7.     My niece had moved in – she made the house so untidy I could not find my log in details to complete my return online

8.     My husband ran over my laptop

9.     I had an argument with my wife and went to Italy for 5 years

10.   I had a cold which took a long time to go

According to HMRC, these excuses were advanced in appeals filed against penalties for late returns. Not to mention, they were unsuccessful

HMRC has clarified that while it does recognise that a number taxpayers may have difficulties completing their tax return on time it will not accept spurious excuses when the vast majority hit the deadline and pay up what they owe

Ruth Owen, HMRC Director General of Personal Tax has further clarified that Untidy family members and hungry pets are very unlikely to be accepted as a legitimate excuse for completing your tax return late. He added that life can be unpredictable and advised those customers who have a genuine excuse for missing the 31 January deadline, such as the flooding, to contact HMRC through helplines 0800 904 7900. or online but for those who are trying to play the system, the message is clear: submit your tax online by 31st January or face penalty.