Professional corporation tax penalty appeals. Resolve disputes with ACG.
Corporation Tax Appeal Services — Challenging HMRC Penalties with Confidence
Have you received a penalty from HMRC related to Corporation Tax? You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not without options. At Audit Consulting Group, we help UK businesses appeal corporation tax penalties quickly, effectively, and with the right documentation to increase the chances of success.
Understanding Corporation Tax Penalties
HMRC issues penalties for several reasons, including:
- Late submission of the CT600
- Late payment of Corporation Tax
- Errors or inaccuracies in your tax return
- Failure to keep adequate records
If you’ve received a penalty, it may feel unfair — or even incorrect. That’s where a corporation tax appeal comes in.
Can You Appeal a Corporation Tax Penalty?
Yes, you absolutely can. If you believe the penalty is unjust, was triggered in error, or you have a reasonable excuse, HMRC allows businesses to appeal against corporation tax penalties.
Common grounds for a successful appeal include:
- Illness or bereavement at the time of the deadline
- Software issues when filing online
- Postal delays outside your control
- Theft or fire that destroyed records
- Reliance on a third-party accountant who failed to act
- Company inactivity during the tax year
Our Corporation Tax Penalty Appeal Services
At Audit Consulting Group, we handle the entire corporation tax appeal process for you, including:
- Reviewing the penalty notice and supporting evidence
- Advising on the likelihood of success
- Drafting and submitting your appeal corporation tax penalty online
- Communicating with HMRC on your behalf
- Ensuring any additional filings or corrections are submitted
- Representing your company during tax investigations or disputes
You don’t need to stress over forms, terminology, or deadlines — we take care of everything.
Types of Corporation Tax Penalties You Can Appeal
- Late Filing Penalty
For not submitting your CT600 on time - Late Payment Penalty
For not paying Corporation Tax within 9 months and 1 day after the accounting period - Inaccuracy Penalty
For errors in your tax return - Failure to Notify Penalty
For not telling HMRC you’re liable for Corporation Tax
If your business has been issued any of these, you can potentially appeal the corporation tax penalty — and we can help.
How to Appeal a Corporation Tax Penalty Online
The process involves several steps:
- Log in to your HMRC business tax account
- Go to the relevant penalty notice
- Select ‘Make an appeal’
- Enter the reason for appeal and upload supporting documents
- Submit the appeal
However, if your appeal is not clearly written, lacks supporting evidence, or is based on a weak argument, HMRC is likely to reject it. That’s why many businesses turn to Audit Consulting Group for expert help.
Deadlines for Appealing
You must appeal a corporation tax penalty within 30 days of the penalty notice date. Missing the deadline could make it significantly harder — or impossible — to reverse the fine.
We act fast to submit your corporation tax appeal within the legal time limits, giving you the best chance of a positive outcome.
What Happens After You Appeal?
After submission:
- HMRC will review your appeal
- They may request additional evidence
- If they agree with your reasoning, the penalty may be cancelled
- If they reject your appeal, you can request a statutory review or appeal to a tax tribunal
We’ll advise you at every step and represent you during reviews or hearings if needed.
Real Case Study: Late Filing Penalty Reversed
A limited company in Bristol received a £100 penalty for late CT600 submission. The director believed the return was submitted on time but had no confirmation email.
Our team:
- Retrieved system logs and timestamps
- Found HMRC’s system had failed to process the return
- Submitted a written appeal against the corporation tax penalty
- Attached relevant technical documentation
Result: Penalty cancelled within 14 days, no further action.
Another Case: Illness During Filing Period
A tech entrepreneur in Manchester was hospitalised with COVID during the tax return deadline. HMRC issued a late penalty, but we:
- Collected hospital records
- Submitted a corporation tax penalty appeal
- Clearly explained the timeline and reasonable excuse
HMRC accepted the appeal and revoked the £200 penalty.
Why Choose Audit Consulting Group?
- Deep knowledge of HMRC rules and appeal processes
- 100% UK-based team of accountants and tax advisers
- Fast-track appeal submissions
- High success rate in reversing penalties
- Expert representation in reviews and tribunals
- Transparent, fixed-fee pricing — no hidden costs
- Experience across all industries and business sizes
We fight your corner — with facts, evidence, and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I appeal corporation tax penalties online myself?
Yes, but we recommend professional assistance. A poorly written appeal or lack of evidence can result in rejection. Our team crafts detailed, persuasive appeals based on your specific situation.
What qualifies as a ‘reasonable excuse’?
Reasonable excuses can include illness, death in the family, system failure, postal delays, or accountant error. We’ll help determine if your situation qualifies.
What if I missed the 30-day deadline?
You may still be able to appeal in some cases, especially with a strong justification for the delay. Contact us as soon as possible to assess your options.
Does filing an appeal delay payment?
No — HMRC expects payment by the due date unless the appeal is accepted. We can advise whether you should pay first to avoid additional interest, then appeal.
Can I recover penalties already paid?
Yes, if your corporation tax penalty appeal is accepted after payment, HMRC will usually issue a refund.
What’s your success rate?
While each case is unique, we successfully overturn penalties in a significant majority of valid appeals.
I run a small business — is this service affordable?
Absolutely. Our pricing is tailored based on the complexity of your case, starting from £195 + VAT for basic appeals. Many clients recover far more than the cost of the service.
Common Mistakes in Corporation Tax Appeals
- Missing the 30-day appeal window
- Not providing evidence to support claims
- Using vague language (“I was busy,” “I forgot”)
- Not explaining how the situation directly caused the delay or error
- Failing to follow up with HMRC after appeal submission
We help you avoid these pitfalls and maximise your chances of a successful appeal.
We Support All Business Types
- Limited companies (Ltd)
- Contractors and freelancers
- Property management firms
- Tech startups
- Construction and trade businesses
- Non-profits and charities
- Dormant companies
Whether your company is new, established, or undergoing restructuring, our team understands how to position your appeal for success.
Book a Free Penalty Appeal Consultation
Worried about an unfair penalty? Don’t wait. Get expert advice and a clear plan of action. During your free consultation, we’ll:
- Review your penalty letter
- Assess your chances of success
- Outline the appeal strategy
- Provide a fixed quote
We’ve helped hundreds of businesses save money, protect their reputation, and avoid HMRC disputes.
Ongoing Support Beyond Appeals
Once your appeal is complete, we offer full accounting and compliance services to prevent future penalties:
- Corporation Tax filing (CT600)
- Bookkeeping and VAT support
- Deadline tracking and automated reminders
- Registered office and Companies House submissions
- Business advisory and tax planning
We don’t just fix the problem — we help you avoid it in the future.
Client Testimonials
“HMRC hit us with a late penalty we didn’t deserve. Audit Consulting Group took care of it quickly and professionally. It was cancelled in two weeks.”
— Martin H., Birmingham
“Honestly didn’t know we could even appeal. These guys saved us £400 and the stress of dealing with HMRC.”
— Claire J., Liverpool
“Excellent service. They knew exactly what to write and what evidence HMRC needed. Highly recommended.”
— Yasmin A., London
Your Next Step – Let’s Clear That Penalty
A penalty doesn’t have to be the end of the story. With the right approach, you can appeal a corporation tax penalty and come out with a clean slate.
📞 Book a call
📧 Email your penalty notice
💬 Request a callback
🌐 Fill in our quick online form
Let us handle HMRC — so you can get back to business.
Audit Consulting Group – Trusted Tax Experts for UK Businesses
Appeals, accounts, compliance. Done right, every time.
