What Counts As A Reasonable Excuse?

If you’re one of the 5.5 million taxpayers leaving your self-assessment to the last minute, it may be worth checking you have a valid excuse for late submission.

The Revenue classifies a reasonable excuse as something that stopped you meeting a tax obligation that you took reasonable care to meet. These include:

•  your partner or a close relative dying shortly before the tax return or payment deadline

•  you had an unexpected stay in hospital which prevented you from dealing with your tax affairs

•  you had a serious or life-threatening illness

•  your computer or software failed just before or while you were preparing your online return

•  a fire, flood or theft prevented you from completing your tax return

•  postal delays that you couldn’t have predicted

•  delays related to a disability.

Talk to your accountant about your tax return if you are experiencing problems.