Don't look for sympathy from the taxman

DON'T TRY to get out of the next deadline for filing InlandRevenue returns at the end of this month - unless you suffersomething as serious as a heart attack or stroke, or if someone hasset fire to your local Post Office. With only 11 days to go, that isthe advice from Sheena Sullivan, tax partner at PKF, Britain's eighthlargest firm of accountants and business advisers.

If the 850,000 who failed to file their 2000-1 returns by 31January have still not complied by 31 July they face a second penaltyof pounds 100. Ms Sullivan warns: "Those who rely on being able tocome up with a good excuse should think again, because few peoplerealise that it takes dramatic circumstances to invoke the sympathyof the Inland Revenue."

Anyone claiming they are too ill will have to be very ill. InlandRevenue guidelines stipulate that it will allow sickness as an excuseonly if you have been in a coma shortly before the deadline, orsuffered another serious illness such as a major heart attack orstroke. But a fire or flood at the Post Office where the tax returnwas handled counts as a justifiable excuse.

"Taxpayers are wasting their time if they claim that they couldn'tmake the deadline due to pressure of work," says Ms Sullivan, "andcomplaints about needing more of a push by blaming an absence ofreminders will also not be looked upon kindly."

Instead, Ms Sullivan advises:

1 Keep relevant documents and receipts. Make sure you know whereyou put items such as bank and building society statements, expenses,records of earnings, plus your P60 and P45 forms.

2 Note down all the important tax dates in your diary and bookyourself time to prepare all the papers so you can submit the formson time.

3 Tax returns can be completed and sent via the internet(www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk). The Inland Revenue says the internetservice offers automatic calculation of your tax as you complete thereturn; returns are processed faster; money owed to you is repaidsooner; you get an online acknowledgement when your return isreceived and it is safe and secure.

4 Starting early also means you have time to ask for help if youget stuck. There will be a self-assessment team at your InlandRevenue office, so check the top of your return for its phone number.If the office is closed you can still use the helpline (0845 9000444).

5 Don't panic! Organisation and preparation are the key.