Different taxes have different filing, payment and penalty rules. A return can be late even if the tax has been paid, and filing a return does not itself settle the bill.
Keep a calendar showing the tax, accounting period, submission deadline and payment arrangements. Agree who is responsible for each task.
Check the relevant regime
PAYE reporting, CIS returns, employee benefits, VAT, Corporation Tax and Self Assessment each need separate attention. Do not apply a penalty table from one tax to another.
Penalties can depend on how long a failure continues, earlier failures or the amount of tax involved. Interest is a separate cost and can change over time.
For current details, use the relevant official guidance:
- Payroll reporting penalties.
- CIS contractor returns.
- VAT returns.
- Company Tax Return penalties.
- Self Assessment penalties.
Act on a problem
If a filing is outstanding, establish what is needed to complete it. If payment is difficult, contact HMRC promptly about the available arrangements rather than waiting for another notice.
Read a penalty notice carefully and compare it with your records. If you believe it is wrong or there is a reasonable excuse, check the appeal process and deadline.
Keep evidence
Retain submission confirmations, payment references and relevant correspondence. These help distinguish a missed obligation from an allocation or processing problem.
We can help identify the affected periods and review the figures, without assuming that every penalty can be cancelled.