HRMC late payment surcharge

[mangled]

Hi,

I was late filling out my VAT form and received a surcharge. It was mea culpa and they've got me bang to rights but I wondered if there any (legal) way to get out of it ? Has anyone had any success in begging off these fines ? I will pay it if there's no alternative but I just wondered whether anyone has had any success in getting the amount ameliorated or written off ?

Please don't post saying "It serves you right, now pay up !". I got as far as that on my ownsome

Thanks in advance.

[bless 'em all]

AIUI you'd need to be late more than once to get the surcharge.

You could try some rather undignified begging - let us know how you get on.

[Craig@Clarity]

Have you received the letter as a result of filing your VAT return late, making a payment late or both? Is this your first time being late? If it is your first time, the letter should be superceded and there should be no further action required. Your accountant should be able to verify this for you. Speak to HMRC to confirm if you need peace of mind.

Here is a link for you (HMRC guidance) HM Revenue & Customs

[Wanderer]

You could try some rather undignified begging - let us know how you get on.

You could practice on us if you like, I can't guarantee that we will sympathetic though.

The first time I filed late they gave me a warning, then they fined me. Ask your accountant if you can appeal it but you are probably bang to rights as you say. The best thing to do is to stay on top of your VAT returns...

He says as he gets down off his soap box and scurries off to do his own return which is due today....

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

As Craig says, if this is the first time you've been late you won't have to pay a penalty but the surcharge notice will stay on file and you may have to cough up if you are late again

[Jessica@WhiteFieldTax]

As Craig says, if this is the first time you've been late you won't have to pay a penalty but the surcharge notice will stay on file and you may have to cough up if you are late again

Just to add they stay on file for a year, so you need a years worth of non late returns to reset the clock.