For an overview of the concept of reasonable excuse, see A4.568. This article discusses when various personal difficulties might constitute a reasonable excuse.
This might include, but is not limited to, unexpected or unforeseen events such as sudden illness. Note, however, that there is no requirement in the legislation for the difficulty to be unexpected or unforeseen (or even unforeseeable), and similarly no need for it to be exceptional or unusual (as discussed in A4.568).
Can pressure of work be a reasonable excuse?
HMRC's position is that it will not normally accept pressure of work alone as a reasonable excuse1. HMRC also states that, 'a taxpayer claiming to be busy with other matters yet able to meet those obligations would not have a reasonable excuse for neglecting his tax obligations'2.
Broadly speaking, HMRC's position has been endorsed by the First-tier Tribunal and its predecessors. The taxpayer is expected to organise their working life so that they have adequate time to attend to their tax affairs. The Tribunal's approach was summed up in the late filing
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