I submitted my tax return but HMRC have sent me late filing penalties, what do I do?
If HMRC haven't received your tax return and you have been fined even though you submitted it in time, please check the following:
1. Click 'SETTINGS' located at the top of the page
2. Click 'Submission history' located on the left hand side of the screen
3. Check the tax year that HMRC are saying they haven't received and check to see if there's a successful submission
4. Call HMRC and quote the correlation ID that is detailed on the same row as the successful submission so they can trace it
The correlation ID is HMRC's confirmation they have received the submission attempt, a virtual receipt number.
The issue usually arises as no original submission was made to HMRC, only an 'amended' submission.
On the phone to HMRC you should ask if they can assign the amended submission to the tax year and treat it as an original OR you can submit again but this time ensure the submission is an 'original' by answering NO to the 'Is this an amended submission' question on the 'Almost there' page. Instructions on how to do this can be found below:
1. Click on 'SAVE & CONTINUE' once you are satisfied with everything on your tax return
2. Click on 'YES'
3. Click 'No' for this question
In regards to your late filing penalties, HMRC should confirm they will be cancelled due to a technical error with their system and you having clear evidence you had filed a return by the submission deadline.