Automatic fines for being late with your tax return are invalid, judge warns HMRC

It has been ruled that a computer issuing automatic fines on behalf of the UK's tax authority, HMRC (equivalent of the US IRS) may be illegal.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5320129/Automatic-fines-late-tax-return-invalid-HMRC-warned.html

"The tribunal concerned a small property business which had filed two weeks late, but was let off a fine because the penalty had been issued automatically, it is reported.

HMRC will not appeal against the decision. A spokesperson for HMRC said the case would not affect taxpayers submitting their returns this year, it was reported.

A late tax return can attract an automatic fine of £100, rising swiftly by £10 a day if the self-assessment is still not submitted soon afterwards, even if no tax is due."