Finance Act 2009

Section 106

SCHEDULE 55 U.K. Penalty for failure to make returns etc

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 55 modified (8.4.2010) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), Sch. 1 para. 38

C2 Sch. 55 applied by S.R. 2009/128, reg. 35 (as substituted (6.4.2011) by The Education (Student Loans) (Repayment) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 (S.R. 2011/137), regs. 1(1), 8(a) (with reg. 12))

C3 Sch. 55 applied by S.I. 2009/470, reg. 40(1)(2) (as substituted (6.4.2011) by The Education (Student Loans) (Repayment) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/784), regs. 1(1), 9 (with reg. 12(2)))

C4 Sch. 55 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/1004, Sch. 4 para. 21G (as inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/2397), regs. 1(1), 3(5))

C5 Sch. 55 applied (with modifications) by 1992 c. 4, s. 11A(1)(3) (as inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 35 of the amending Act) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2015 (c. 5), Sch. 1 para. 3)

C6 Sch. 55 applied (with modifications) by 1992 c.7 (N.I.), s. 11A(1)(3) (as inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 35 of the amending Act) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2015 (c. 5), Sch. 1 para. 12)

Penalty for failure to make returns etc U.K.

1 (1) A penalty is payable by a person (“P”) where P fails to make or deliver a return, or to deliver any other document, specified in the Table below on or before the filing date. U.K.

(2) Paragraphs 2 to 13 set out—

(a) the circumstances in which a penalty is payable, and

(b) subject to paragraphs 14 to 17, the amount of the penalty.

(3) If P's failure falls within more than one paragraph of this Schedule, P is liable to a penalty under each of those paragraphs (but this is subject to paragraph 17(3)).

(4) In this Schedule—

• “filing date”, in relation to a return or other document, means the date by which it is required to be made or delivered to HMRC;

• “penalty date”, in relation to a return or other document [F1 falling within any of items 1 to 3 and 5 to 13 in the Table], means the date on which a penalty is first payable for failing to make or deliver it (that is to say, the day after the filing date).

[F2 (4A) The Treasury may by order make such amendments to item 4 in the Table as they think fit in consequence of any amendment, revocation or re-enactment of the regulations mentioned in that item.]

(5) In the provisions of this Schedule which follow the Table—

(a) any reference to a return includes a reference to any other document specified in the Table, and

(b) any reference to making a return includes a reference to delivering a return or to delivering any such document.

	Tax to which return etc relates	Return or other document
1	Income tax or capital gains tax	(a) Return under section 8(1)(a) of TMA 1970 (b) Accounts, statement or document required under section 8(1)(b) of TMA 1970
2	Income tax or capital gains tax	(a) Return under section 8A(1)(a) of TMA 1970 (b) Accounts, statement or document required under section 8A(1)(b) of TMA 1970
[F3 2A	Capital gains tax	NRCGT return under section 12ZB of TMA 1970]
3	Income tax or corporation tax	(a) Return under section 12AA(2)(a) or (3)(a) of TMA 1970 (b) Accounts, statement or document required under section 12AA(2)(b) or (3)(b) of TMA 1970
4	Income tax	[F4 Return under any of the following provisions of the Income Tax (PAYE) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2682)— (a) regulation 67B (real time returns) (b) regulation 67D (exceptions to regulation 67B)]
5	Income tax	Return under section 254 of FA 2004 (pension schemes)
6	Deductions on account of tax under Chapter 3 of Part 3 of FA 2004 (construction industry scheme)	Return under regulations under section 70 of FA 2004
7	Corporation tax	Company tax return under paragraph 3 of Schedule 18 to FA 1998
8	Inheritance tax	Account under section 216 or 217 of IHTA 1984
9	Stamp duty land tax	Land transaction return under section 76 of FA 2003 or further return under section 81 of that Act
10	Stamp duty land tax	Return under paragraph 3, 4 or 8 of Schedule 17A to FA 2003
11	Stamp duty reserve tax	Notice of charge to tax under regulations under section 98 of FA 1986
12	Petroleum revenue tax	Return under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to OTA 1975
13	Petroleum revenue tax	Statement under section 1(1)(a) of PRTA 1980
[F5 29	Machine games duty	Return under regulations under paragraph 18 of Schedule 24 to FA 2012]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 55 para. 1(4) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 3(a)

F2 Sch. 55 para. 1(4A) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 3(b)

F3 Words in Sch. 55 para. 1 Table inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 paras. 59(2), 60 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2015 (c. 11), Sch. 7 para. 59(1)

F4 Words in Sch. 55 para. 1 Table substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 4

F5 Words in Sch. 55 para. 1 Table inserted (in relation to the playing of machine games on or after 1.2.2013) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 24 para. 31

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 55 para. 1 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I2 Sch. 55 para. 1 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I3 Sch. 55 para. 1 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

Amount of penalty: occasional returns and annual returns U.K.

2 U.K. Paragraphs 3 to 6 apply in the case of a return falling within any of items [F6 1 to 3, 5] and 7 to 13 in the Table.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in Sch. 55 para. 2 substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 5

Commencement Information

I4 Sch. 55 para. 2 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

3 U.K. P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph of £100.

Commencement Information

I5 Sch. 55 para. 3 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

4 (1) P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph if (and only if)— U.K.

(a) P's failure continues after the end of the period of 3 months beginning with the penalty date,

(b) HMRC decide that such a penalty should be payable, and

(c) HMRC give notice to P specifying the date from which the penalty is payable.

(2) The penalty under this paragraph is £10 for each day that the failure continues during the period of 90 days beginning with the date specified in the notice given under sub-paragraph (1)(c).

(3) The date specified in the notice under sub-paragraph (1)(c)—

(a) may be earlier than the date on which the notice is given, but

(b) may not be earlier than the end of the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a).

Commencement Information

I6 Sch. 55 para. 4 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

5 (1) P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph if (and only if) P's failure continues after the end of the period of 6 months beginning with the penalty date. U.K.

(2) The penalty under this paragraph is the greater of—

(a) 5% of any liability to tax which would have been shown in the return in question, and

(b) £300.

Commencement Information

I7 Sch. 55 para. 5 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

6 (1) P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph if (and only if) P's failure continues after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the penalty date. U.K.

(2) Where, by failing to make the return, P[F7 deliberately] withholds information which would enable or assist HMRC to assess P's liability to tax, the penalty under this paragraph is determined in accordance with sub-paragraphs (3) and (4).

(3) If the withholding of the information is deliberate and concealed, the penalty is the greater of—

(a) 100% of any liability to tax which would have been shown in the return in question, and

(b) £300.

[F8 (3A) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)(a), the relevant percentage is—

(a) for the withholding of category 1 information, [F9 the relevant percentage],

(b) for the withholding of category 2 information, 150%, and

(c) for the withholding of category 3 information, 200%.]

(4) If the withholding of the information is deliberate but not concealed, the penalty is the greater of—

(a) [F10 the relevant percentage] of any liability to tax which would have been shown in the return in question, and

(b) £300.

[F11 (4A) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (4)(a), the relevant percentage is—

(a) for the withholding of category 1 information, 70%,

(b) for the withholding of category 2 information, 105%, and

(c) for the withholding of category 3 information, 140%.]

(5) In [F12 any case not falling within sub-paragraph (2)], the penalty under this paragraph is the greater of—

(a) 5% of any liability to tax which would have been shown in the return in question, and

(b) £300.

[F13 (6) Paragraph 6A explains the 3 categories of information.]

Textual Amendments

F7 Word in Sch. 55 para. 6(2) inserted (1.4.2011 for specified purposes, 6.4.2011 for specified purposes, 12.2.2019 for specified purposes) by Finance (No. 3) Act 2010 (c. 33), s. 26(2), Sch. 10 para. 4(2); S.I. 2011/703, art. 2(a)(b); 2019 c. 1, s. 67(2)

F8 Sch. 55 para. 6(3A) inserted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 11(3); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

F9 Words in Sch. 55 para. 6(3)(a) substituted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 11(2); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

F10 Words in Sch. 55 para. 6(4)(a) substituted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 11(4); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

F11 Sch. 55 para. 6(4A) inserted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 11(5); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

F12 Words in Sch. 55 para. 6(5) substituted (1.4.2011 for specified purposes, 6.4.2011 for specified purposes, 12.2.2019 for specified purposes) by Finance (No. 3) Act 2010 (c. 33), s. 26(2), Sch. 10 para. 4(3); S.I. 2011/703, art. 2(a)(b); 2019 c. 1, s. 67(2)

F13 Sch. 55 para. 6(6) inserted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 11(6); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I8 Sch. 55 para. 6 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

[F14 6A (1) Information is category 1 information if— U.K.

(a) it involves a domestic matter, or

(b) it involves an offshore matter and—

(i) the territory in question is a category 1 territory, or

(ii) it is information which would enable or assist HMRC to assess P's liability to a tax other than income tax or capital gains tax.

(2) Information is category 2 information if—

(a) it involves an offshore matter,

(b) the territory in question is a category 2 territory, and

(c) it is information which would enable or assist HMRC to assess P's liability to income tax or capital gains tax.

(3) Information is category 3 information if—

(a) it involves an offshore matter,

(b) the territory in question is a category 3 territory, and

(c) it is information which would enable or assist HMRC to assess P's liability to income tax or capital gains tax.

(4) Information “involves an offshore matter” if the liability to tax which would have been shown in the return includes a liability to tax charged on or by reference to—

(a) income arising from a source in a territory outside the UK,

(b) assets situated or held in a territory outside the UK,

(c) activities carried on wholly or mainly in a territory outside the UK, or

(d) anything having effect as if it were income, assets or activities of a kind described above.

(5) Information “involves a domestic matter” if the liability to tax which would have been shown in the return includes a liability to tax charged on or by reference to anything not mentioned in sub-paragraph (4)(a) to (d).

(6) If the information which P withholds falls into more than one category—

(a) P's failure to make the return is to be treated for the purposes of this Schedule as if it were separate failures, one for each category of information according to the matters which the information involves, and

(b) for each separate failure, the liability to tax which would have been shown in the return in question is taken to be such share of the liability to tax which would have been shown in the return mentioned in paragraph (a) as is just and reasonable.

(7) For the purposes of this Schedule—

(a) paragraph 21A of Schedule 24 to FA 2007 (classification of territories) has effect, but

(b) an order under that paragraph does not apply to a failure if the filing date is before the date on which the order comes into force.

(8) Regulations under paragraph 21B of Schedule 24 to FA 2007 (location of assets etc) apply for the purposes of paragraph 6A of this Schedule as they apply for the purposes of paragraph 4A of that Schedule.

(9) In this paragraph—

• “assets” has the meaning given in section 21(1) of TCGA 1992, but also includes sterling;

• “UK” means the United Kingdom, including the territorial sea of the United Kingdom.]

Textual Amendments

F14 Sch. 55 para. 6A inserted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 12 ; S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

[F15 Amount of penalty: real time information for PAYE U.K.

Textual Amendments

F15 Sch. 55 paras. 6B-6D and cross-heading inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 6

6B U.K. Paragraphs 6C and 6D apply in the case of a return falling within item 4 in the Table.

Commencement Information

I9 Sch. 55 para. 6B in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

6C (1) If P fails during a tax month to make a return on or before the filing date, P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph in respect of that month. U.K.

(2) But this is subject to sub-paragraphs (3) and (4).

(3) P is not liable to a penalty under this paragraph in respect of a tax month as a result of any failure to make a return on or before the filing date which occurs during the initial period.

(4) P is not liable to a penalty under this paragraph in respect of a tax month falling in a tax year if the month is the first tax month in that tax year during which P fails to make a return on or before the filing date (disregarding for this purpose any failure which occurs during the initial period).

(5) In sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) “the initial period” means the period which—

(a) begins with the day in the first tax year on which P is first required to make a return, and

(b) is of such duration as is specified in regulations made by the Commissioners,

and for this purpose “the first tax year” means the first tax year in which P is required to make returns.

(6) P may be liable under this paragraph to no more than one penalty in respect of each tax month.

(7) The penalty under this paragraph is to be calculated in accordance with regulations made by the Commissioners.

(8) Regulations under sub-paragraph (7) may provide for a penalty under this paragraph in respect of a tax month to be calculated by reference to either or both of the following matters—

(a) the number of persons employed by P, or treated as employed by P for the purposes of PAYE regulations;

(b) the number of previous penalties incurred by P under this paragraph in the same tax year.

(9) The Commissioners may by regulations disapply sub-paragraph (3) or (4) in such circumstances as are specified in the regulations.

(10) If P has elected under PAYE regulations to be treated as different employers in relation to different groups of employees, this paragraph applies to P as if—

(a) in respect of each group P were a different person, and

(b) each group constituted all of P's employees.

(11) Regulations made by the Commissioners under this paragraph may—

(a) make different provision for different cases, and

(b) include incidental, consequential and supplementary provision.

Commencement Information

I10 Sch. 55 para. 6C(1)-(4)(6)(10) in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

I11 Sch. 55 para. 6C(5)(7)-(9)(11) in force at 11.9.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(a)

6D (1) P may be liable to one or more penalties under this paragraph in respect of extended failures. U.K.

(2) In this paragraph an “extended failure” means a failure to make a return on or before the filing date which continues after the end of the period of 3 months beginning with the day after the filing date.

(3) P is liable to a penalty or penalties under this paragraph if (and only if)—

(a) HMRC decide at any time that such a penalty or penalties should be payable in accordance with sub-paragraph (4) or (6), and

(b) HMRC give notice to P specifying the date from which the penalty, or each penalty, is payable.

(4) HMRC may decide under sub-paragraph (3)(a) that a separate penalty should be payable in respect of each unpenalised extended failure in the tax year to date.

(5) In that case the amount of the penalty in respect of each failure is 5% of any liability to make payments which would have been shown in the return in question.

(6) HMRC may decide under sub-paragraph (3)(a) that a single penalty should be payable in respect of all the unpenalised extended failures in the tax year to date.

(7) In that case the amount of the penalty in respect of those failures is 5% of the sum of the liabilities to make payments which would have been shown in each of the returns in question.

(8) For the purposes of this paragraph, an extended failure is unpenalised if a penalty has not already been imposed in respect of it under this paragraph (whether in accordance with sub-paragraph (4) or (6)).

(9) The date specified in the notice under sub-paragraph (3)(b) in relation to a penalty—

(a) may be earlier than the date on which the notice is given, but

(b) may not be earlier than the end of the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) in relation to the relevant extended failure.

(10) In sub-paragraph (9)(b) “the relevant extended failure” means—

(a) the extended failure in respect of which the penalty is payable, or

(b) if the penalty is payable in respect of more than one extended failure (in accordance with sub-paragraph (6)), the extended failure with the latest filing date.]

Commencement Information

I12 Sch. 55 para. 6D in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

Amount of penalty: CIS returns U.K.

7 U.K. Paragraphs 8 to 13 apply in the case of a return falling within item 6 in the Table.

Commencement Information

I13 Sch. 55 para. 7 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I14 Sch. 55 para. 7 in force at 6.10.2011 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

8 U.K. P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph of £100.

Commencement Information

I15 Sch. 55 para. 8 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I16 Sch. 55 para. 8 in force at 6.10.2011 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

9 (1) P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph if (and only if) P's failure continues after the end of the period of 2 months beginning with the penalty date. U.K.

(2) The penalty under this paragraph is £200.

Commencement Information

I17 Sch. 55 para. 9 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I18 Sch. 55 para. 9 in force at 6.10.2011 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

10 (1) P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph if (and only if) P's failure continues after the end of the period of 6 months beginning with the penalty date. U.K.

(2) The penalty under this paragraph is the greater of—

(a) 5% of any liability to make payments which would have been shown in the return in question, and

(b) £300.

Commencement Information

I19 Sch. 55 para. 10 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I20 Sch. 55 para. 10 in force at 6.10.2011 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

11 (1) P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph if (and only if) P's failure continues after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the penalty date. U.K.

(2) Where, by failing to make the return, P [F16 deliberately] withholds information which would enable or assist HMRC to assess the amount that P is liable to pay to HMRC in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 3 of FA 2004, the penalty under this paragraph is determined in accordance with sub-paragraphs (3) and (4).

(3) If the withholding of the information is deliberate and concealed, the penalty is the greater of—

(a) 100% of any liability to make payments which would have been shown in the return in question, and

(b) £3,000.

(4) If the withholding of the information is deliberate but not concealed, the penalty is the greater of—

(a) 70% of any liability to make payments which would have been shown in the return in question, and

(b) £1,500.

(5) In [F17 any other case] [F17 any case not falling within sub-paragraph (2)] , the penalty under this paragraph is the greater of—

(a) 5% of any liability to make payments which would have been shown in the return in question, and

(b) £300.

Textual Amendments

F16 Word in Sch. 55 para. 11(2) inserted (6.10.2011 for specified purposes, 12.2.2019 for specified purposes) by Finance (No. 3) Act 2010 (c. 33), s. 26(2), Sch. 10 para. 5(2); S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(a) (with art. 3); 2019 c. 1, s. 67(2)

F17 Words in Sch. 55 para. 11(5) substituted (6.10.2011 for specified purposes, 12.2.2019 for specified purposes) by Finance (No. 3) Act 2010 (c. 33), s. 26(2), Sch. 10 para. 5(3); S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(a) (with art. 3); 2019 c. 1, s. 67(2)

Commencement Information

I21 Sch. 55 para. 11 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I22 Sch. 55 para. 11 in force at 6.10.2011 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

12 (1) P is liable to a penalty under this paragraph if (and only if)— U.K.

(a) P's failure continues after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the penalty date, and

(b) the information required in the return relates only to persons registered for gross payment (within the meaning of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of FA 2004).

(2) Where, by failing to make the return, P[F18 deliberately] withholds information which relates to such persons, the penalty under this paragraph is—

(a) if the withholding of the information is deliberate and concealed, £3,000, and

(b) if the withholding of the information is deliberate but not concealed, £1,500.

Textual Amendments

F18 Word in Sch. 55 para. 12(2) inserted (6.10.2011 for specified purposes, 12.2.2019 for specified purposes) by Finance (No. 3) Act 2010 (c. 33), s. 26(2), Sch. 10 para. 6(2); S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(a) (with art. 3); 2019 c. 1, s. 67(2)

Commencement Information

I23 Sch. 55 para. 12 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I24 Sch. 55 para. 12 in force at 6.10.2011 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I25 Sch. 55 para. 12 in force at 1.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3269, art. 2

13 (1) This paragraph applies— U.K.

(a) at any time before P first makes a return falling within item 6 in the Table, to any return falling within that item, and

(b) at any time after P first makes a return falling within that item, to that return and any earlier return.

(2) In respect of any return or returns to which this paragraph applies—

(a) paragraphs 10(2)(b) and 11(5)(b) do not apply, and

(b) P is not liable to penalties under paragraphs 8 and 9 which exceed, in total, £3,000.

(3) In sub-paragraph (1)(b) “earlier return” means any return falling within item 6 which has a filing date earlier than the date on which P first made a return.

Commencement Information

I26 Sch. 55 para. 13 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I27 Sch. 55 para. 13 in force at 6.10.2011 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I28 Sch. 55 para. 13 in force at 1.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3269, art. 2

Reductions for disclosure U.K.

14 (1) Paragraph 15 provides for reductions in the penalty under paragraph 6(3) or (4) or 11(3) or (4) where P discloses information which has been withheld by a failure to make a return (“relevant information”). U.K.

(2) P discloses relevant information by—

(a) telling HMRC about it,

(b) giving HMRC reasonable help in quantifying any tax unpaid by reason of its having been withheld, and

(c) allowing HMRC access to records for the purpose of checking how much tax is so unpaid.

(3) Disclosure of relevant information—

(a) is “unprompted” if made at a time when P has no reason to believe that HMRC have discovered or are about to discover the relevant information, and

(b) otherwise, is “prompted”.

(4) In relation to disclosure “quality” includes timing, nature and extent.

Commencement Information

I29 Sch. 55 para. 14 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I30 Sch. 55 para. 14 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

15 (1) [F19 Where a person who would otherwise be liable to a 100% penalty has made an unprompted disclosure, HMRC must reduce the 100% to a percentage, not below 30%, which reflects the quality of the disclosure.] U.K.

[F19 If a person who would otherwise be liable to a penalty of a percentage shown in column 1 of the Table (a “standard percentage”) has made a disclosure, HMRC must reduce the standard percentage to one that reflects the quality of the disclosure.]

(2) [F19 Where a person who would otherwise be liable to a 100% penalty has made a prompted disclosure, HMRC must reduce the 100% to a percentage, not below 50%, which reflects the quality of the disclosure.]

[F19 But the standard percentage may not be reduced to a percentage that is below the minimum shown for it—

(a) in the case of a prompted disclosure, in column 2 of the Table, and

(b) in the case of an unprompted disclosure, in column 3 of the Table.]

(3) [F20 Where a person who would otherwise be liable to a 70% penalty has made an unprompted disclosure, HMRC must reduce the 70% to a percentage, not below 20%, which reflects the quality of the disclosure.]

(4) [F21 Where a person who would otherwise be liable to a 70% penalty has made a prompted disclosure, HMRC must reduce the 70% to a percentage, not below 35%, which reflects the quality of the disclosure.]

(5) But HMRC must not under this paragraph—

(a) reduce a penalty under paragraph 6(3) or (4) below £300, or

(b) reduce a penalty under paragraph 11(3) or (4) below the amount set by paragraph 11(3)(b) or (4)(b) (as the case may be).

Textual Amendments

F19 Sch. 55 para. 15(1)(2) substituted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 13(2); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

F20 Sch. 55 para. 15(3) omitted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by virtue of Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 13(3); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

F21 Sch. 55 para. 15(4) omitted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by virtue of Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 13(3); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I31 Sch. 55 para. 15 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I32 Sch. 55 para. 15 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

Special reduction U.K.

16 (1) If HMRC think it right because of special circumstances, they may reduce a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule. U.K.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) “special circumstances” does not include—

(a) ability to pay, or

(b) the fact that a potential loss of revenue from one taxpayer is balanced by a potential over-payment by another.

(3) In sub-paragraph (1) the reference to reducing a penalty includes a reference to—

(a) staying a penalty, and

(b) agreeing a compromise in relation to proceedings for a penalty.

Commencement Information

I33 Sch. 55 para. 16 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I34 Sch. 55 para. 16 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I35 Sch. 55 para. 16 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

Interaction with other penalties and late payment surcharges U.K.

17 (1) Where P is liable for a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule which is determined by reference to a liability to tax, the amount of that penalty is to be reduced by the amount of any other penalty incurred by P, if the amount of the penalty is determined by reference to the same liability to tax. U.K.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) the reference to “any other penalty” does not include—

(a) a penalty under any other paragraph of this Schedule, or

(b) a penalty under Schedule 56 (penalty for late payment of tax)[F22 , or

(c) a penalty under Part 4 of FA 2014 (penalty where corrective action not taken after follower notice etc).]

(3) Where P is liable for a penalty under more than one paragraph of this Schedule which is determined by reference to a liability to tax, the aggregate of the amounts of those penalties must not exceed [F23 100%] [F23 the relevant percentage] of the liability to tax.

[F24 (4) The relevant percentage is—

(a) if one of the penalties is a penalty under paragraph 6(3) or (4) and the information withheld is category 3 information, 200%,

(b) if one of the penalties is a penalty under paragraph 6(3) or (4) and the information withheld is category 2 information, 150%, and

(c) in all other cases, 100%.]

Textual Amendments

F22 Sch. 55 para. 17(2)(c) and word inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 33 para. 5

F23 Words in Sch. 55 para. 17(3) substituted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 14(a); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

F24 Sch. 55 para. 17(4) inserted (6.4.2011 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 35(2), Sch. 10 para. 14(b); S.I. 2011/975, art. 2(2) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I36 Sch. 55 para. 17 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I37 Sch. 55 para. 17 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I38 Sch. 55 para. 17 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

[F25 Cancellation of penalty U.K.

Textual Amendments

F25 Sch. 55 paras. 17A, 17B and cross-heading inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 51 para. 9 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 51 para. 8

17A (1) This paragraph applies where— U.K.

(a) P is liable for a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule in relation to a failure to make a return falling within item 1 or 2 in the Table, and

(b) P makes a request under section 8B of TMA 1970 for HMRC to withdraw a notice under section 8 or 8A of that Act.

(2) The notice under section 8B of TMA 1970 may include provision under this paragraph cancelling liability to the penalty from the date specified in the notice.

17B (1) This paragraph applies where— U.K.

(a) P is liable for a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule in relation to a failure to make a return falling within item 3 in the Table, and

(b) a request is made under section 12AAA of TMA 1970 for HMRC to withdraw a notice under section 12AA of that Act.

(2) The notice under section 12AAA of TMA 1970 may include provision under this paragraph cancelling liability to the penalty from the date specified in the notice.]

Assessment U.K.

18 (1) Where P is liable for a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule HMRC must— U.K.

(a) assess the penalty,

(b) notify P, and

(c) state in the notice the period in respect of which the penalty is assessed.

(2) A penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule must be paid before the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which notification of the penalty is issued.

(3) An assessment of a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule—

(a) is to be treated for procedural purposes in the same way as an assessment to tax (except in respect of a matter expressly provided for by this Schedule),

(b) may be enforced as if it were an assessment to tax, and

(c) may be combined with an assessment to tax.

(4) A supplementary assessment may be made in respect of a penalty if an earlier assessment operated by reference to an underestimate of the liability to tax which would have been shown in a return.

[F26 (5) Sub-paragraph (6) applies if—

(a) an assessment in respect of a penalty is based on a liability to tax that would have been shown in a return, and

(b) that liability is found by HMRC to be excessive.

(6) HMRC may by notice to P amend the assessment so that it is based upon the correct amount.

(7) An amendment under sub-paragraph (6)—

(a) does not affect when the penalty must be paid;

(b) may be made after the last day on which the assessment in question could have been made under paragraph 19.]

Textual Amendments

F26 Sch. 55 para. 18(5)-(7) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) for Sch. 55 para. 18(5) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 7

Commencement Information

I39 Sch. 55 para. 18 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I40 Sch. 55 para. 18 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I41 Sch. 55 para. 18 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

I42 Sch. 55 para. 18 in force at 1.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3269, art. 2

19 (1) An assessment of a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule in respect of any amount must be made on or before the later of date A and (where it applies) date B. U.K.

(2) Date A is [F27 —

(a) in the case of an assessment of a penalty under paragraph 6C, the last day of the period of 2 years beginning with the end of the tax month in respect of which the penalty is payable,

(b) in the case of an assessment of a penalty under paragraph 6D, the last day of the period of 2 years beginning with the filing date for the relevant extended failure (as defined in paragraph 6D(10)), and

(c) in any other case,]

the last day of the period of 2 years beginning with the filing date.

(3) Date B is the last day of the period of 12 months beginning with—

(a) the end of the appeal period for the assessment of the liability to tax which would have been shown in the return [F28 or returns (as the case may be in relation to penalties under section 6C or 6D)], or

(b) if there is no such assessment, the date on which that liability is ascertained or it is ascertained that the liability is nil.

(4) In sub-paragraph (3)(a) “appeal period” means the period during which—

(a) an appeal could be brought, or

(b) an appeal that has been brought has not been determined or withdrawn.

(5) Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to a re-assessment under paragraph 24(2)(b).

Textual Amendments

F27 Words in Sch. 55 para. 19(2) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 8(2)

F28 Words in Sch. 55 para. 19(3)(a) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 8(3)

Commencement Information

I43 Sch. 55 para. 19 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I44 Sch. 55 para. 19 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I45 Sch. 55 para. 19 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

Appeal U.K.

20 (1) P may appeal against a decision of HMRC that a penalty is payable by P. U.K.

(2) P may appeal against a decision of HMRC as to the amount of a penalty payable by P.

Commencement Information

I46 Sch. 55 para. 20 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I47 Sch. 55 para. 20 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I48 Sch. 55 para. 20 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

I49 Sch. 55 para. 20 in force at 1.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3269, art. 2

21 (1) An appeal under paragraph 20 is to be treated in the same way as an appeal against an assessment to the tax concerned (including by the application of any provision about bringing the appeal by notice to HMRC, about HMRC review of the decision or about determination of the appeal by the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal). U.K.

(2) Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply—

(a) so as to require P to pay a penalty before an appeal against the assessment of the penalty is determined, or

(b) in respect of any other matter expressly provided for by this Act.

Commencement Information

I50 Sch. 55 para. 21 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I51 Sch. 55 para. 21 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I52 Sch. 55 para. 21 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

I53 Sch. 55 para. 21 in force at 1.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3269, art. 2

22 (1) On an appeal under paragraph 20(1) that is notified to the tribunal, the tribunal may affirm or cancel HMRC's decision. U.K.

(2) On an appeal under paragraph 20(2) that is notified to the tribunal, the tribunal may—

(a) affirm HMRC's decision, or

(b) substitute for HMRC's decision another decision that HMRC had power to make.

(3) If the tribunal substitutes its decision for HMRC's, the tribunal may rely on paragraph 16—

(a) to the same extent as HMRC (which may mean applying the same percentage reduction as HMRC to a different starting point), or

(b) to a different extent, but only if the tribunal thinks that HMRC's decision in respect of the application of paragraph 16 was flawed.

(4) In sub-paragraph (3)(b) “flawed” means flawed when considered in the light of the principles applicable in proceedings for judicial review.

(5) In this paragraph “tribunal” means the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal (as appropriate by virtue of paragraph 21(1)).

Commencement Information

I54 Sch. 55 para. 22 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I55 Sch. 55 para. 22 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I56 Sch. 55 para. 22 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

Reasonable excuse U.K.

23 (1) Liability to a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule does not arise in relation to a failure to make a return if P satisfies HMRC or (on appeal) the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal that there is a reasonable excuse for the failure. U.K.

(2) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) an insufficiency of funds is not a reasonable excuse, unless attributable to events outside P's control,

(b) where P relies on any other person to do anything, that is not a reasonable excuse unless P took reasonable care to avoid the failure, and

(c) where P had a reasonable excuse for the failure but the excuse has ceased, P is to be treated as having continued to have the excuse if the failure is remedied without unreasonable delay after the excuse ceased.

Commencement Information

I57 Sch. 55 para. 23 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I58 Sch. 55 para. 23 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I59 Sch. 55 para. 23 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

Determination of penalty geared to tax liability where no return made U.K.

24 (1) References to a liability to tax which would have been shown in a return are references to the amount which, if a complete and accurate return had been delivered on the filing date, would have been shown to be due or payable by the taxpayer in respect of the tax concerned for the period to which the return relates. U.K.

(2) In the case of a penalty which is assessed at a time before P makes the return to which the penalty relates—

(a) HMRC is to determine the amount mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) to the best of HMRC's information and belief, and

(b) if P subsequently makes a return, the penalty must be re-assessed by reference to the amount of tax shown to be due and payable in that return (but subject to any amendments or corrections to the return).

(3) In calculating a liability to tax which would have been shown in a return, no account is to be taken of any relief under [F29 section 458 of CTA 2010] (relief in respect of repayment etc of loan) which is deferred under [F30 subsection (5)] of that section.

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in Sch. 55 para. 24(3) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1184(1) of the amending Act) by Corporation Tax Act 2010 (c. 4), s. 1184(1), Sch. 1 para. 723(a) (with Sch. 2)

F30 Words in Sch. 55 para. 24(3) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1184(1) of the amending Act) by Corporation Tax Act 2010 (c. 4), s. 1184(1), Sch. 1 para. 723(b) (with Sch. 2)

Commencement Information

I60 Sch. 55 para. 24 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I61 Sch. 55 para. 24 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I62 Sch. 55 para. 24 in force at 1.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3269, art. 2

I63 Sch. 55 para. 24 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

Partnerships U.K.

25 (1) This paragraph applies where— U.K.

(a) the representative partner, or

(b) a successor of the representative partner,

fails to make a return falling within item 3 in the Table (partnership returns).

(2) A penalty in respect of the failure is payable by every relevant partner.

(3) In accordance with sub-paragraph (2), any reference in this Schedule to P is to be read as including a reference to a relevant partner.

(4) An appeal under paragraph 20 in connection with a penalty payable by virtue of this paragraph may be brought only by—

(a) the representative partner, or

(b) a successor of the representative partner.

(5) Where such an appeal is brought in connection with a penalty payable in respect of a failure, the appeal is to treated as if it were an appeal in connection with every penalty payable in respect of that failure.

(6) In this paragraph—

• “relevant partner” means a person who was a partner in the partnership to which the return relates at any time during the period in respect of which the return was required;

• “representative partner” means a person who has been required by a notice served under or for the purposes of section 12AA(2) or (3) of TMA 1970 to deliver any return;

• “successor” has the meaning given by section 12AA(11) of TMA 1970.

Commencement Information

I64 Sch. 55 para. 25 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I65 Sch. 55 para. 25 in force at 1.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3269, art. 2

Double jeopardy U.K.

26 U.K. P is not liable to a penalty under any paragraph of this Schedule in respect of a failure or action in respect of which P has been convicted of an offence.

Commencement Information

I66 Sch. 55 para. 26 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I67 Sch. 55 para. 26 in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))

I68 Sch. 55 para. 26 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

Interpretation U.K.

27 (1) This paragraph applies for the construction of this Schedule. U.K.

(2) The withholding of information by P is—

(a) “deliberate and concealed” if P deliberately withholds the information and makes arrangements to conceal the fact that the information has been withheld, and

(b) “deliberate but not concealed” if P deliberately withholds the information but does not make arrangements to conceal the fact that the information has been withheld.

[F31 (2A) The Commissioners” means the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.]

(3) “HMRC” means Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

[F32 (3A) Tax month” means the period beginning with the 6th day of a month and ending with the 5th day of the following month.]

(4) References to a liability to tax, in relation to a return falling within item 6 in the Table (construction industry scheme), are to a liability to make payments in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 3 of FA 2004.

(5) References to an assessment to tax, in relation to inheritance tax and stamp duty reserve tax, are to a determination.

Textual Amendments

F31 Sch. 55 para. 27(2A) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 9(2)

F32 Sch. 55 para. 27(3A) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 50 para. 16(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 50 para. 9(3)

Commencement Information

I69 Sch. 55 para. 27 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes and 6.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/702, art. 2 (with art. 1(2))

I70 Sch. 55 para. 27 in force at 1.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3269, art. 2

I71 Sch. 55 para. 27 in force at 6.10.2014 for specified purposes and 6.3.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2395, art. 2(1)(b)

I72 Sch. 55 para. 27(1)-(4) in force at 6.10.2011 for specified purposes by S.I. 2011/2391, art. 2(b) (with art. 3(1)(2))