VCP10790 | Misdeclaration penalty: Discretion, reasonable excuse, and mitigation: New registration
From HM Revenue & Customs · VAT Civil Penalties
Please note: VAT Misdeclaration Penalty has been replaced by the Schedule 24 inaccuracy penalty for all accounting periods where the return period commences on or after 01/04/2008 and the due date is on or after 01/04/2009. Misdeclaration penalty will still apply where the due date is before 01/04/2009.
Please see the Compliance Handbook CH80000 Penalties for Inaccuracies for further details.
The following questions should be addressed when considering reasonable excuse
Was it the trader’s first visit?
Was the error made in respect of a complex or contentious area such as partial exemption, tour operator’s scheme etc?
Has the trader been previously registered, or involved in a similar VAT registered activity?