In a new report, the HMRC have said that over 750,000 people have missed the deadline for filing their tax return and risk a fine.
The number of people who failed to meet the deadline is down by almost 100,000 from last year but they still run the risk of a fine up to £100.
“If you’re one of the small number that missed the deadline, please submit your return now to avoid further penalties. We really don’t want penalties, we just want tax returns,” said spokesperson Angela MacDonald.
Almost 10.7 million taxpayers submitted their self-assessment return before the deadline and 30,000 completed it in the final hour.
Not all those who failed to complete the tax return will face a fine. Those with a”reasonable excuse”, such as being in the hospital or mental health issues, will be excused.
Taxpayers will not be required to provide a doctor’s note but will be expected to complete the registration as soon as possible.
“This is not something that has happened overnight but HMRC definitely has a growing awareness of mental health and appear to be taking this into account regarding fines,” said Michael Steed, president at the Association of Taxation Technicians.
“Tax officers can use their discretion to waive fines where they feel there are special circumstances.”
“The topic has become a lot more high profile especially after the Daily Telegraph’s interview with Prince Harry. HMRC also don’t want the bad publicity of fining depressed people.”
“However if taxpayers become repeat offenders then their patience may start to wear more thin.”
The growing awareness for those with mental health issues and their ability to meet different deadlines for HMRC is a move seen as very positive from Sophie Corlett, director of external relations at mental health charity, Mind.
“It is positive to see tax officials increasingly considering mental health when assessing whether a person had a ‘reasonable excuse’ for being unable to meet a tax obligation on time.”
“If you are too unwell to meet a deadline, the flexibility you are offered should not depend on whether your illness is physical or mental.”
In November, the fining system changed and now is more similar to points fining system similar to driving.