HMRC has announced that the deadline for businesses or individuals to submit an appeal over a tax ruling has been extended for anyone who has been adversely impacted by the virus pandemic.

The taxation body is providing any people and businesses in that position with a three-month period to submit appeals against tax rulings that were handed down in February of this year or more recently. That is a significant increase on the 30-day appeals period that they would normally have, but HMRC is still urging those to whom this applies to get appeals in as quickly as possible and to clarify in their submission that COVID-19 issues were the cause of the delay if necessary.

In further good news for beleaguered businesses and sole traders, the latest HMRC guidance on these issues indicates that pandemic related problems will also be considered an acceptable excuse for failure to file tax returns or make payments before the deadlines. For those who are keen to avoid that though, there are affordable accountants who handle tax return services in Goole, and other parts of the country, who can help them.

Speaking to FT Adviser about the HMRC announcement, Dawn Register from BDO said:

“This extension is welcome news as any clarification about how HMRC is going to help those impacted by Covid-19 is helpful to remove uncertainty and distress.”

She went on to add that it was likely that the tax department would further review the situation in response to changes as the crisis continues to unfold.