Anyone who has to submit a self-assessment tax return to HMRC is being warned over potential disruption as workers at the tax office go on strike.
His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs workers have announced a strike on the last two days of January, 30 and 31, in a dispute over pay.
January 31 of course is the deadline for self-assessment tax returns, when those who submit a return online must turn in their completed tax return or face a £100 fine.
The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said its members employed by a private firm at HMRC will walk out days before the self-assessment online tax return deadline.
The union said more than 300 workers employed by Fujitsu Services UK at offices across the UK have been offered a pay rise of 1.5% while their in-house colleagues received 5% for doing similar jobs.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “There is no excuse for workers employed by Fujitsu being offered less than those employed directly by HMRC.
“If the Government was serious about its pre-election pledge to bring in the ‘biggest wave of insourcing in a generation’ now is the chance to end the scandal of a two-tier workforce.
“It’s not too late for ministers to step in, resolve the pay issue and prevent strike action likely to play havoc with people’s tax returns.”
Those who earn income from a second non-PAYE source, such as letting out a flat, running a side hustle personal business or selling a lot of items online must submit a tax return for any profits of £1,000 or more.
Those who earn £150,000 or more, even through PAYE, must also submit a self-assessment tax return.
Anyone who owes Capital Gains Tax, such as for selling something (like a property or shares) which increased in value must also submit a return.
Finally, those who have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, such as those earning over £60,000 and claiming the benefit, must also submit a return by January 31 of the year following the relevant tax year (so this January covers the period April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024).
Those who fail to submit a return on time face a possible £100 fine.
An HMRC spokesperson said: “We have robust plans in place to ensure we continue delivering critical services for our customers during any industrial action.”
