James Sunderland seeks review of HMRC fines on self-employed

James Sunderland calls on the Treasury to review the HMRC policy of imposing heavy fines on the self-employed for filing tax returns late even when no moneys are owed. 

James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)

I have recently been contacted by several self-employed constituents expressing concern about heavy fines being imposed for filing tax returns late even though no moneys are owed. Will the Treasury meet me with a view, perhaps, to reviewing this policy?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Victoria Atkins)

I will of course be happy to meet my hon. Friend. I hope he understands that I cannot intervene personally in any case, but I will of course look at the general principle he sets out and see whether there are systemic issues here.

Hansard