REVEALED: HMRC's ten worst excuses for missing tax return deadline

By The Newsroom
Published 16th Jan 2016, 12:08 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:45 BST
Calculating numbers for income tax return with pen and calculator ENGANL00120140130144003Calculating numbers for income tax return with pen and calculator ENGANL00120140130144003
Calculating numbers for income tax return with pen and calculator ENGANL00120140130144003
The ten worst excuses for missing the January Self Assessment deadline for 2013-14 tax returns have been revealed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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 top ten worst excuses according to HMRC are:

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

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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 five years.