With just a week to go before the 31st January self-assessment tax deadline, it’s time to review the most bizarre excuses and questionable expense claims HMRC has received over the last decade. In reverse order: 

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.

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