(as published in the Gibraltar Chronicle) 

There certainly is.  If you’re an employee, then Form IT1P is required to be filed by 30th November 2011.  This is for income earned in the year to 30 June 2011; the 5 months given to complete it is longer than before, as previously it was due in by 30 September each year.

This year’s Return is headed up “2011/12” which, following the logical approach used in previous years, refers to the following Tax Year.  We have also received a few puzzled comments about the fact that the return states that itreturn must be received by 30th November 2011, and and that you will be charged a £50 penalty if it is received after 1st July 2012.  The reason for this is that penalties are not applied until 1st July 2012 onwards.

Much ofWith 8 pages it’s longer than last year, but as I’m sure anyone who has filled in a UK or Spanish Tax Return, it is still fairly simple and clearly laid out.  Almost half the form is used to request information in order to claim allowances, which will only apply if you are taxed on the allowance based system.  Although 83% of taxpayers are now estimated to use the gross income system, it’s worth giving this information as it will help to ensure the Tax Office applies whatever method is best for you.

If you are an employee, but have some other income from self-employment, then the above Form IT1P caters for that (as before).  However, there is a different form aimed at self-employed persons, Form IT1S.  This helps to calculate the payments on account that will be due on 31st December 2011 and 30th June 2012.  Employees with occasional self-employed income take note - Form IT1P has no mention of payments on account; however under the Income Tax Act 2010 you are still required to calculate and make payments on account of tax on self-employed income.  Hopefully the Tax Office will take a reasonable approach to this in practice where small amounts are involved (believe it or not, they can be reasonable).

Where income has been subject to the PAYE system, an assessment should be issued by the Tax Office if any additional tax is due, with a payment date of 60 days from the date of the assessment.

For self-employed income, however, you as the taxpayer are responsible for calculating and paying the correct amount.  Any tax remaining due on income from self-employment for the year ended 30th June 2011 is payable by 30th November 2011 – and surcharges (not to be confused with penalties) do apply.  

If you have any income liable to tax in Gibraltar in a tax year then you have to file a Tax Return, irrespective of whether you have been sent one or not.

You should have been sent a return by now, but if not, or the dog has eaten it, you can download one from  http://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/taxation