The deadlines for appealing tax penalties and decisions issued from February 2020 is extended by up to three months where the taxpayer or their business has been affected by COVID-19.

HMRC decisions and tax penalties must normally be appealed within 30 days.

Due to coronavirus, HMRC will allow tribunal to hear your appeal after 30 days, if both:

The extension to three months means that many decisions and penalties are currently still in time for appeal.

Appeals should be made as soon as the taxpayer is able, with any that are outside the 30-day limit stating Coronavirus as the reason for the delay. The extended deadline also applies to appeals to the tax tribunal.

The extension ended on 30 September 2021. The effect of the pandemic may still however be a Reasonable excuse for a Late appeal or the the late filing or payment of tax.

Useful guides on this topic

COVID-19: Government support tracker
This tracker covers measures announced by the government to support individuals and businesses, as we get through COVID-19.

How to appeal an HMRC decision
What type of decision can you appeal? What are your different options when you disagree with HMRC? What are the key steps in making an appeal?

How to appeal a tax penalty (subscriber version)
What are the steps in making an appeal? What should your appeal cover? What does recent case law say on this topic?

External link

HMRC: Disagree with a tax decision 

HMRC letter to professional bodies 18 January 2021