After a 6 hours website crash today, HM Revenue was forced to announce the extension of its closing date for tax returns by 24 hours. Thousands of taxpayers were unable to file their tax returns before the deadline, owing to the break down.

After a 6 hours website crash today, HM Revenue was forced to announce the extension of its closing date for tax returns by 24 hours. Thousands of taxpayers were unable to file their tax returns before the deadline, owing to the break down. With an extra day to return the taxes, those failing to file their returns within January 31 midnight, could escape the £100 fine.

However, sources from HMRC denied the allegation that the site had crashed, explaining that the collapse was a result of high traffic trying to access the services. Further, they added that it was an "isolated and temporary" problem and it has started accepting online returns again.

HMRC spokesman confirmed that those, whose returns are not submitted electronically or by paper before midnight 1 February, will have to face the penalty.

HMRC provided a message of apology for temporary inconvenience due to suspension of Self Assessment online system and that it is working to make the service operational on its website. The site also reads that an interest of 5 per cent would be incurred on defaulters who owe the tax.

This issue followed a troubled year for self-assessment taxpayers and HMRC now has five million taxpayers who have received their tax returns a month late last year when it was suffering from "production issues".

George Bull, an accountant and head of state at Baker Tilly, showed disappointed over the fact that the State-operated system catering to the entire population is unable to cope with estimated 150-200,000 filings in one day.

The taxpayers failing to settle the tax bill within six months must pay a 5 per cent interest charge and another £100 fee would be levied a year later.