Taxes Management Act 1970

Time limits U.K.

34 Ordinary time limit of [F1 4 years]. U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Act, and to any other provisions of the Taxes Acts allowing a longer period in any particular class of case, [F2 an assessment to income tax or capital gains tax may be made at any time [F3 not more than 4 years after the end of] the year of assessment to which it relates].

[F4 (1A) In subsection (1) the reference to an assessment to capital gains tax includes a determination under section 29A (non-resident CGT disposals: determination of amount which should have been assessed).]

(2) An objection to the making of any assessment on the ground that the time limit for making it has expired shall only be made on an appeal against the assessment.

[F5 (3) In this section “assessment” does not include a self-assessment.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 34 heading substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 7(3) (with Sch. 39 para. 66); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F2 Words in s. 34(1) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 117(4)(5) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 1998 (c. 36), Sch. 19 para. 17; S.I. 1998/3173, art. 2

F3 Words in s. 34(1) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 39 para. 66); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F4 S. 34(1A) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 60 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2015 (c. 11), Sch. 7 para. 48

F5 S. 34(3) inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 168(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 34 applied (with modifications) by the Oil Taxation Act 1975 (c. 22), s. 1, Sch. 2 para. 1(1)

C2 S. 34 applied (with modifications) by The Lloyd’s Underwriters (Tax) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/421), Sch

S. 34 applied (with modifications) by The Lloyd’s Underwriters (Tax) (1987—88) Regulations 1990 (S.I. 1990/627), reg. 3(2), Sch

C3 S. 34 excluded (6.3.1992 with effect as mentioned in s. 289(1)(2) of the amending Act) by Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 (c. 12), ss. 248(2), 289 (with ss. 60, 101(1), 171, 201(3))

C4 S. 34 applied (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Accounting and Assessment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3454), regs. 1, 12(a)

C5 S. 34 excluded by Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 (c. 12), s. 248C(4) (as inserted (with effect in accordance with art. 8(2) of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 2010/157, arts. 1, 8(1))

C6 S. 34(1) applied (with modification) (19.4.1991) by The Lloyd’s Underwriters (Tax) (1988–89) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/851), regs. 1, 3(2), Sch. 1

S. 34(1) extended (with modifications) (28.3.1992) by The Lloyd’s Underwriters (Tax) (1989—90) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/511), regs. 1, 3, Sch. 1

C7 S. 34(1) applied (with modifications) (23.3.1993) by The Lloyd’s Underwriters (Tax) (1990–91) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/415), regs. 1(1), 3(2), Sch.1

C8 S. 34(1) applied (with modifications) (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Tax) (1991-92) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/728), reg. 3(2), Sch.

C9 S. 34(1) modified (with effect in accordance with reg. 6(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Tax) (1992-93 to 1996-97) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/352), regs. 1(1), 6(1)(2)

C10 S. 34(1) modified (with effect in accordance with reg. 7(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Tax) (1992-93 to 1996-97) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/352), regs. 1(1), 7(1)(2)

C11 S. 34(1) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Accounting and Assessment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3454), regs. 1, 10

[F6 34A Ordinary time limit for self-assessments U.K.

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a self assessment contained in a return under section 8 or 8A may be made and delivered at any time not more than 4 years after the end of the year of assessment to which it relates.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents—

(a) a person who has received a notice under section 8 or 8A within that period of 4 years from delivering a return including a self-assessment within the period of 3 months beginning with the date of the notice,

(b) a person in respect of whom a determination under section 28C has been made from making a self-assessment in accordance with that section within the period allowed by subsection (5)(a) or (b) of that section.

(3) Subsection (1) has effect subject to the following provisions of this Act and to any other provisions of the Taxes Acts allowing a longer period in any particular class of case.

(4) This section has effect in relation to self-assessments for a year of assessment earlier than 2012-13 as if—

(a) in subsection (1) for the words from “not more” to the end there were substituted “on or before 5 April 2017”, and

(b) in subsection (2)(a) for the words “within that period of 4 years” there were substituted “on or before 5 April 2017”.]

Textual Amendments

F6 S. 34A inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 168(3)

[F7 35 Time limit: income received after year for which it is assessable U.K.

(1) Where income to which this section applies is received in a year of assessment subsequent to that for which it is assessable, an assessment to income tax as respects that income may be made at any time [F8 not more than 4 years after the end of] the year of assessment in which it was received.

(2) This section applies to—

(a) employment income,

(b) pension income, and

(c) social security income.]

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 35 substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 17 para. 3(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), Sch. 17 para. 3(1) (note that s. 35 was previously repealed (with application in accordance with s. 58(4) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 1998 (c. 36), Sch. 27 Pt. III(9))

F8 Words in s. 35 substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 8; S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

[F9 36 [F10 Loss of tax brought about carelessly or deliberately etc] U.K.

[F11 (1) An assessment on a person in a case involving a loss of income tax or capital gains tax brought about carelessly by the person may be made at any time not more than 6 years after the end of the year of assessment to which it relates (subject to subsection (1A) and any other provision of the Taxes Acts allowing a longer period).

(1A) An assessment on a person in a case involving a loss of income tax or capital gains tax —

(a) brought about deliberately by the person,

(b) attributable to a failure by the person to comply with an obligation under section 7, F12 ...

(c) attributable to arrangements in respect of which the person has failed to comply with an obligation under section 309, 310 or 313 of the Finance Act 2004 (obligation of parties to tax avoidance schemes to provide information to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), [F13 or

(d) attributable to arrangements which were expected to give rise to a tax advantage in respect of which the person was under an obligation to notify the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs under section 253 of the Finance Act 2014 (duty to notify Commissioners of promoter reference number) but failed to do so,]

may be made at any time not more than 20 years after the end of the year of assessment to which it relates (subject to any provision of the Taxes Acts allowing a longer period).

(1B) In subsections (1) and (1A) references to a loss brought about by the person who is the subject of the assessment include a loss brought about by another person acting on behalf of that person.]

[F14 (2) [F15 Where the person mentioned in subsection (1) or (1A) (“the person in default”)] carried on a trade, profession or business with one or more other persons at any time in the period for which the assessment is made, an assessment in respect of the profits or gains of the trade, profession or business [F16 in a case] mentioned in [F17 subsection (1A) or (1B)] may be made not only on the person in default but also on his partner or any of his partners.]

(3) If the person on whom the assessment is made so requires, in determining the amount of the tax to be charged for any chargeable period in any assessment made [F18 in a case] mentioned in subsection (1) [F19 or (1A)] above, effect shall be given to any relief or allowance to which he would have been entitled for that chargeable period on a claim or application made within the time allowed by the Taxes Acts.

[F20 (3A) In subsection (3) above, “claim or application” does not include an election under F21 ... [F22 any of sections 47 to 49 of ITA 2007] [F23 (tax reductions for married couples and civil partners: elections to transfer relief)] F24 ... .]

[F25 (4) Any act or omission such as is mentioned in section 98B below on the part of a grouping (as defined in that section) or member of a grouping shall be deemed for the purposes of [F26 subsections (1) and (1A)] above to be the act or omission of each member of the grouping.]]

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 36 substituted by Finance Act 1989 (c. 26), s. 149(1) but shall not affect making of assessments before 1983-84 or for accounting periods ending before 1 April 1983

F10 S. 36 heading substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 9(6) (with Sch. 39 para. 66); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F11 S. 36(1)-(1B) substituted for s. 36(1) (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 9(2) (with Sch. 39 para. 66); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7, 10)

F12 Word in s. 36(1A) omitted (17.7.2014) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 277(1)(a) (with ss. 269-271)

F13 S. 36(1A)(d) and preceding word inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 277(1)(b) (with ss. 269-271)

F14 S. 36(2) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 199(2)(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 1994 (c. 9), Sch. 19 para. 11(2); S.I. 1998/3173, art. 2

F15 Words in s. 36(2) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 9(3)(a) (with Sch. 39 para. 66); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F16 Words in s. 36(2) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), s. 99(2), Sch. 51 para. 41; S.I. 2010/867, art. 2(1)

F17 Words in s. 36(2) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 9(3)(b) (with Sch. 39 para. 66); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F18 Words in s. 36(3) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), s. 99(2), Sch. 51 para. 41; S.I. 2010/867, art. 2(1)

F19 Words in s. 36(3) inserted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 9(4) (with Sch. 39 para. 66); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F20 S. 36(3A) inserted (16.7.1992) by Finance (No. 2) Act 1992 (c. 48), s. 20, Sch. 5 paras. 9(2), 10

F21 Words in s. 36(3A) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 7 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 1 para. 6(a)(i)

F22 Words in s. 36(3A) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 1034(1) of the amending Act) by Income Tax Act 2007 (c. 3), s. 1034(1), Sch. 1 para. 251(a) (with Sch. 2)

F23 Words in s. 36(3A) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1034(1) of the amending Act) by Income Tax Act 2007 (c. 3), s. 1034(1), Sch. 1 para. 251(b) (with Sch. 2)

F24 Words in s. 36(3A) repealed (27.8.2002 for specified purposes, 6.4.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Tax Credits Act 2002 (c. 21), s. 61, Sch. 6; S.I. 2002/1727, art. 2; S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(3)(e), Sch. 1

F25 S. 36(4) added by Finance Act 1990 s. 69, Sch. 11 para. 4(1) on and after 1July 1989.

F26 Words in s. 36(4) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 9(5) (with Sch. 39 para. 66); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 36 applied by The Income Tax (Entertainers and Sportsmen) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/530), reg. 11(2)

C13 S. 36 applied (1.10.1993) by The Income Tax (Manufactured Overseas Dividends) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/2004), reg.11(7)

C14 S. 36 applied (2.1.1996) by The Gilt-edged Securities (Periodic Accounting for Tax on Interest) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/3224), regs. 1, 18(1) (with reg. 21)

C15 S. 36 applied (2.1.1996) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Gilt-edged Securities) (Periodic Accounting for Tax on Interest) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/3225), regs. 1, 10(1) (with reg. 13)

C16 S. 36 modified (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Tax) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3338), regs. 1(1), 11

C17 S. 36 applied by The Authorised Investment Funds (Tax) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/964), reg. 69Z33(3) (as inserted (6.4.2008) by S.I. 2008/705, regs. 1, 5)

C18 S. 36(1) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Accounting and Assessment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3454), regs. 1, 11

F27 37 Neglect: income tax and capital gains tax. U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F27 Ss 37, 38, 39 repealed by Finance Act 1989 (c. 26), ss. 149(2), 187, Sch. 17 Pt. VIII (but not to affect the making of assessments before 1983-84 or for accounting periods ending before 1 April 1983)

[F28 37A Effect of assessment where allowances transferred. U.K.

Where an assessment is made on any person [F29 in a case falling within section 36(1) or (1A)], the fact that the person’s [F30 liability to income tax or] total income for any year of assessment is assessed as greater than it was previously taken to be shall not affect the validity of [F31 any [F32 deduction from net income or tax reduction] made in the case of that person’s spouse] [F33 or civil partner] F34 ... by virtue of F35 ... [F36 section 39, 51 or 52 of ITA 2007] F34 ... ; [F37 and the entitlement in that case of the first-mentioned person for the year in question to any [F32 deduction from net income or tax reduction] shall be treated as correspondingly reduced].]

Textual Amendments

F28 S. 37A inserted (for 1990-91 and subsequent years) by Finance Act 1988 (c. 39), s. 35, Sch. 3 para. 30

F29 Words in s. 37A substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 10; S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F30 Words in s. 37A inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 77(7) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 1994 (c. 9), Sch. 8 para. 13(a)

F31 Words in s. 37A substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 77(7) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 1994 (c. 9), Sch. 8 para. 13(b)

F32 Words in s. 37A substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1034(1) of the amending Act) by Income Tax Act 2007 (c. 3), s. 1034(1), Sch. 1 para. 252(2) (with Sch. 2)

F33 Words in s. 37A inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 1034(1) of the amending Act) by Income Tax Act 2007 (c. 3), s. 1034(1), Sch. 1 para. 252(3) (with Sch. 2)

F34 Words in s. 37A repealed (27.8.2002 for specified purposes, 6.4.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Tax Credits Act 2002 (c. 21), s. 61, Sch. 6; S.I. 2002/1727, art. 2; S.I. 2003/962, art. 2(3)(e), Sch. 1

F35 Words in s. 37A omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 7 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 1 para. 6(a)(ii)

F36 Words in s. 37A inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 1034(1) of the amending Act) by Income Tax Act 2007 (c. 3), s. 1034(1), Sch. 1 para. 252(4) (with Sch. 2)

F37 Words in s. 37A substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 77(7) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 1994 (c. 9), Sch. 8 para. 13(c)

F38 38 Modification of s.37 in relation to partnerships. U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F38 Ss 37, 38, 39 repealed by Finance Act 1989 (c. 26), ss. 149(2), 187, Sch. 17 Pt. VIII (but not to affect the making of assessments before 1983-84 or for accounting periods ending before 1 April 1983)

F39 39 Neglect: corporation tax. U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F39 Ss 37, 38, 39 repealed by Finance Act 1989 (c. 26), ss. 149(2), 187, Sch. 17 Pt. VIII (but not to affect the making of assessments before 1983-84 or for accounting periods ending before 1 April 1983)

40 Assessment on personal representatives. U.K.

(1) For the purpose of the charge of tax on the executors or administrators of a deceased person in respect of the income, or chargeable gains, which arose or accrued to him before his death, the time allowed by section 34, 35 or 36 above shall in no case extend [F40 more than 4 years after the end of] [F41 the year of assessment] in which the deceased died.

(2) [F42 In a case involving a loss of tax brought about carelessly or deliberately by a person who has died (or another person acting on that person's behalf before that person's death)], an assessment on his personal representatives to tax for any year of assessment ending not earlier than six years before his death may be made at any time [F43 not more than 4 years after the end of] [F41 the year of assessment] in which he died.

(3) In [F44 this section] “tax” means income tax or capital gains tax.

[F45 (4) Any act or omission such as is mentioned in section 98B below, on the part of a grouping (as defined in that section) or member of a grouping shall be deemed for the purposes of subsection (2) above to be the act or omission of each member of the grouping.]

Textual Amendments

F40 Words in s. 40(1) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 11(2); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F41 Words in s. 40(1)(2) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 199(2)(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 1994 (c. 9), Sch. 19 para. 12; S.I. 1998/3173, art. 2

F42 Words in s. 40(2) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 11(3)(a); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F43 Words in s. 40(2) substituted (1.4.2010) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 11(3)(b); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(2) (with art. 10)

F44 Words in s. 40(3) substituted by Finance Act 1985 (c. 54), s. 93(7), Sch. 25 para. 5

F45 S. 40(4) inserted (with effect on and after 1 July 1989) by Finance Act 1990 (c. 29), s. 69, Sch. 11 para. 4(2).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 40 modified (27.7.1993) by 1993 c. 34, s. 173, Sch. 19 Pt. I para. 8

C20 S. 40 modified (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Tax) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3338), regs. 1(1), 11

C21 S. 40(1)(2) applied (with modifications) (19.4.1991) by The Lloyd’s Underwriters (Tax) (1988–89) Regulations 1991 (S.I. 1991/851), regs. 1, 3(2), Sch. 1

S. 40(1)(2) extended (with modifications) (28.3.1992) by The Lloyd’s Underwriters (Tax) (1989—90) Regulations1992 (S.I. 1992/511), regs. 1,3, Sch. 1

C22 S. 40(1)(2) applied (with modifications) (23.3.1993) by The Lloyd’s Underwriters (Tax) (1990–91) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/415), regs. 1(1), 3(2), Sch.1

C23 S. 40(1)(2) applied (with modifications) (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Tax) (1991-92) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/728), reg. 3(2), Sch. 1

C24 S. 40(1)(2) modified (with effect in accordance with reg. 6(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Tax) (1992–93 to 1996–97) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/352), regs. 1(1), 6(1)(2)

C25 S. 40(1)(2) modified (with effect in accordance with reg. 7(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Lloyds Underwriters (Tax) (1992–93 to 1996–97) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/352), regs. 1(1), 7(1)(2)

F46 41 Leave of General or Special Commissioners required for certain assessments. U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F46 S. 41 repealed by Finance Act 1989 (c. 26), ss. 149(2), 187, Sch. 17 Pt. VIII (but not to affect the making of assessments before 1983-84 or for accounting periods ending before 1 April 1983)