SAM61063 - Interest, penalties and surcharge: penalties: appeals against non-capping of FAP (Action Guide)
This guidance refers to tax returns received for 2009-10 and earlier. For further information regarding the new rules for the tax years 2010-11 and later, see SAM61200 onwards.
You will find general information on the handling of appeals in the business area ‘Appeals / Postponements’. When dealing with appeals against non-capping of fixed automatic penalties follow steps 1 - 12 as appropriate below.
Remember that before you can settle a reasonable excuse appeal against a fixed automatic penalty, the overdue return must be filed.
The guide is presented as follows
| Step 1 | |
| Steps 2 - 4 | |
| Step 5 | |
| Steps 6 - 8 | |
| Steps 9 - 12 |
Initial action
| 1. | Check whether the return has been filed and captured using function MAINTAIN RETURN SUMMARY |
| If the return has been captured | |
| * Go to step 2 | |
| If the return has been filed but not captured | |
| * Go to step 5 | |
| If the return has not been filed | |
| * Go to step 6 |
Return captured
| 2. | Using function VIEW STATEMENT |
| * Check that the total tax due for the year (shown in box 1 of the Tax Calculation Summary page TCS1; box 18.3 for years to 2006-07) minus any amounts paid at the filing date is equal to or more than the amount of the fixed automatic penalties charged | |
| 3. | If the amount payable is £100 (or £200 where the second penalty has been raised) or more |
| * Take no further action in connection with capping (the penalty is valid) | |
| If the amount payable is less than £100 (or £200 where the second penalty has been raised) the penalty will have been capped automatically for returns for 2001-2002 and later years. But for returns for earlier years take the following action | |
| * Send a WAM to ‘London North West Recovery’ entitled ‘Type 10 remission - SA Fixed Penalty Capping case’ to ask the Recovery Office to reduce (cap) the penalty | |
| The Recovery Office will partially remit under Class 10 (cap) the fixed penalty to the amount of tax payable. | |
| If there is nothing payable | |
| * Cancel the penalty using function AMEND FIXED PENALTIES | |
| 4. | After you have dealt with the appeal |
| * Follow steps 10 - 13 below |
Return filed but not captured
| 5. | If the return has been filed but not captured |
| * Arrange early processing | |
| And after capture | |
| * Proceed as in steps 2 - 4 above |
Return not filed
| 6. | Write to the taxpayer explaining that |
| * You need the return to prove the claim for relief | |
| * The penalty remains due and payable in the meantime | |
| 7. | If you believe that further tax may be due |
| * Ask the Recovery Office to make a Revenue determination | |
| But do not do so just to force receipt of the return. You must have some clear indication that further tax is due. | |
| 8. | After writing to the taxpayer as in 6 above |
| * Follow steps 10 - 13 below |
Final actions - all cases
| After you have dealt with the taxpayer’s claim | |
| 9. | Close the appeal using function MAINTAIN APPEALS |
| 10. | Cancel the informal standover using Function MAINTAIN STANDOVERS |
| 11. | Record the action taken using function MAINTAIN SA NOTES |
| 12. | Advise the taxpayer of the outcome of the claim |