HMRC did not issue paper statements and payslips to self-assessment taxpayers to remind them of the 31 January 2016 filing and payment date unless the taxpayer has filed their 2014/15 tax return by 31 December 2015, and had not opted for digital only communications from HMRC.
This change of policy has led to a number of clients not making the correct payment on time despite being advised when they signed their returns. It is correct that taxpayers are responsible for ensuring they meet the tax obligations and liabilities but this payslip was a useful reminder to them that something needed to be done.
This is a false economy, except of course that HMRC may pick up a number of 5% tax geared penalties for those people not paying the balance due on 14/15 by 28 February.
