The Most Bizarre HMRC Excuses and Expense Claims of the Last Decade

With the 31 January self-assessment tax return deadline approaching each year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) continues to receive a surprising number of unusual excuses for late tax returns and questionable business expense claims.

From cursed tax returns to pets eating paperwork, some taxpayers have offered explanations that are difficult to forget. While these stories may raise a smile, HMRC still expects tax returns to be filed and tax paid on time.

Here’s our updated countdown of some of the most bizarre excuses and expense claims seen over the past decade:

10. Caravan rental for the Easter weekend

9. I was up a mountain in Wales, and couldn’t find a post box or get an internet signal

8. My dog ate the post … again

7. Claiming £4.50 for sausage and chips meal expenses for 250 days

6. The hamster ate my post

5. I’ve been cruising around the world in my yacht, and only picking up post when I’m on dry land

4. A music subscription so I can listen to music while I work

3. Pet food for a Shih Tzu ‘guard dog’

2. A DJ was too busy with a party lifestyle – spinning the deck….in a bowls club

1. My mother-in-law is a witch and put a curse on me

Save yourself a penalty

You need to file your self assessment tax return with HMRC by 31st January to avoid a minimum £100. If you need any help completing your return, please contact us using the form below. You can also use our guide for completing your self-assessment tax return here.