News Article - 27 November 2008
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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has agreed to change its plans for a controversial new deadline for self-assessment tax filing.

Original proposals from Lord Carter of Coles aimed to bring the online filing deadline forward from January 31st to November 30th, with the paper filing deadline brought forward to September 30th.

But he has since revised those initial recommendations, after outcry from the accountancy profession.

Last week, Lord Carter said the filing deadline for paper returns should be October 31st, while the deadline for online filing should remain on January 31st.

The government's paymaster general, Dawn Primarolo, said the HMRC would accept the new dates.

"The government has accepted Lord Carter's revised recommendation," said Ms Primarolo.

"This updating of the self-assessment system takes account of both the views of tax professionals and the operational requirements of HM Revenue & Customs."

The original proposals caused consternation with many in the accounting profession.

Many argued that staff shortages and concerns over HMRC IT systems would make the earlier dates unworkable.

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