More than a third of tax form still outstanding with just one week to deadline

  • There is just one week before all tax returns have to be submitted
  • But a third of all forms are still outstanding
  • Islanders face a fine of £250 for failing to return their forms by 6 pm
  • Are you always late with your form? Take our poll below

TAX return deadline day is looming but with just seven days to go nearly a third of forms are still outstanding.

Despite facing a £250 fine for failing to submit their return by 6 pm next Friday figures from the Taxes Office show that around 17,000 of the 54,000 personal income tax forms that were issued in January have not been handed in.

Today the department has said that extra staff will be on hand at Cyril Le Marquand House next week to assist Islanders with their forms.

Last year about 3,200 taxpayers were issued with a penalty notice for failing to meet the deadline and the department says a delay in the post is not accepted as a reasonable excuse for a late form.

John Le Curiot, personal tax director at the Taxes Office, said that the levels of submitted forms are about the same as last year.

He added: ‘We have had a steady flow of returns from January. We do tend to get a rush in the last couple of weeks but we ensure that we have sufficient people on the front desk.

‘The last four days are usually the busiest. If anyone has any difficulties or has lost their form they can phone 440300 or call in at the help desk at Cyril Le Marquand House.’

I have sent in my return after the deadline, but my tax will be less than the £250 fine

We’ll reduce your fine to equal the amount of tax we have assessed you for. (This does not take into account any payments you may have made to pay your bill.)

If I want to appoint an agent, what is the deadline?

In the year that the tax return is due, we need to receive your authority for the agent to act on your behalf before the May late filing deadline. If we do not, sending in the return is still your responsibility and you will get fined if it is late. The deadline for tax agents to send in the return on your behalf is the last Friday in July.

What action can I take if I don’t agree with the penalty?

If you receive a notice and believe there are exceptional circumstances which prevented you from delivering your return to us, you can appeal in writing. You have 40 days from date of the notice to do this.

The income tax law only allows us to waive the late filing penalty on the following grounds:

  • death* (eg a close family member on, or around, the deadline)
  • serious illness
  • other grave or exceptional circumstances

Your letter should clearly state what the circumstances are. If we agree that there is a case for waiving the penalty we will advise you and cancel the fine. If we do not accept your reason(s), then you must pay the fine.

Examples of circumstances which have not been regarded as exceptional include:

waiting for information to include on the return the return being put in the post box just after the deadline postal delays temporary absence from Jersey (eg holiday or work related)

Can I appeal against your refusal to waive the penalty?

Yes. You have the right to appeal to the Commissioners of Appeal against our refusal to waive the penalty if you feel that you have grounds within the income tax law.

How do I appeal?

If you want to appeal, you must write to the Comptroller of Taxes at the Taxes Office within 40 days of being notified of our decision not to waive the penalty. Your letter must clearly state why you are appealing. See above for examples of unacceptable grounds for appeal.

You should enclose documentary evidence in support of your appeal. Your appeal will be acknowledged by the comptroller and listed for hearing before the Commissioners of Appeal.

When will my appeal be dealt with?

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