HMRC glitch with paper statements

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has apologised to half a million tax payers who are likely to have their self assessment statements delayed.

Normally statements reminding people of tax due are issued in July, but this year some will be issued later. HMRC has said that no one needs to worry about this.

On a notice on its website HMRC said: "If HMRC have asked you to make a second payment on account in July, you normally have to pay this by July 31. You usually have to pay interest if you don't pay on time. If you receive your statement in August, you should still pay the tax due as soon as you can. You'll only be asked to pay interest on the tax due on the second payment on account if you still haven't paid it more than 30 days after you receive your statement."

The Daily Telegraph reports that the delay was caused when HMRC ran out of paper after officials failed to increase the paper order in line with an unexpected rise in the number of statements being issued this year.

Online customers will still be able to check their statement online and pay online too.