Archbishop Patrick Kelly is in Hospital

WE are told that Archbishop Patrick Kelly had a fall on the 21 December 2022, that resulted in some fractures in his neck and was taken to Southport Hospital and later transferred to The Walton Centre, at Aintree Hospital. He was due to have an operation on the 2 January 2023, but having been seen by a specialist Spinal Surgeon, she decided not to operate. We understand that Archbishop Patrick has now got a full collar around his neck and for around 10 days, he he has been flat on his back. Now under the guidance of the Surgeon, we are told that they have elevated his bed so that he is at least partially sitting up, and will be able to eat and drink more easily, but will be in the collar for at least 6 weeks, maybe more. It is hoped that the swelling impinging his spinal cord will continue to reduce and this will result in feelings coming back to his hands and legs. The Archdiocese of Liverpool has added that he may well have a long road of recovery ahead of him. The Catholic community on Merseyside have been told that Archbishop Patrick has appreciated the prayers and support that has been offered for him.
 

Almost 5.7 million customers still to file their Tax Return

THERE is less than 1 month for around 5.7 million Self Assessment customers to file their Tax Return or they may face a penalty, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have told the UK media. More than 12 million customers are expected to file a Tax Return for the:- 2021 to 2022 Tax Year, by 31 January 2023. HMRC has revealed that 129 customers submitted theirs on 1 January 2023 between:- 00:00 and 00:59, joining those customers who have already met their obligations.
 
More than 42,500 customers chose to see in the new year by submitting their Return on:- 31 December and 1 January 2023:-
 
►  New Year's Eve:- 25,043 Tax Returns were filed. The peak time for filing was between:- 14:00 and 14:59, when 2,713 returns were received.

►  New Year's Day:- 17,571 Tax Returns were filed. The peak time for filing was between:- 15:00 and 15:59, when 1,697 returns were received.
 
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said:- "There is less than 1 month for customers to submit their Tax Returns and my message to those yet to start is: don't delay, do it online. HMRC provides lots of useful information to help you get started. Visit:- Gov.UK and search:- 'Self Assessment'."
 
Self Assessment customers can submit their Tax Returns and pay any tax owed online at:- Gov.UK.
 
HMRC is warning customers that the deadline to submit a paper return has passed and Tax Returns can only be submitted online. Anyone who files after 31 January 2023, you may face a penalty.
 
HMRC will treat those with genuine excuses leniently, as it focuses on those who persistently fail to complete their Tax Returns and deliberate tax evaders. Customers who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse before the 31 January 2023 deadline can avoid a penalty after this date. The penalties for late Tax Returns are:-
 
►  An initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time.

►  After 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900.

►  After 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater.

►  After 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater.
 
There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months.
 
Customers need to pay any tax owed by the 31 January 2023 deadline. Information about the different ways to pay, including via the HMRC app, can be found on:- Gov.UK.
 
Those who are unable to pay their tax bill in full can access support and advice on:- Gov.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as:- 'Time to Pay.' Customers should try to do this online; go to:- Gov.UK for more information. Alternatively, they can contact the helpline.
 
HMRC has a wide range of resources to help customers complete their Tax Return, including:- guidance, webinars and YouTube videos.
 
Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams. Check HMRC scams advice on:- Gov.UK.