Bradford firms are being warned to get their financial figures in shape.

Business advisers Grant Thornton are making the warning as the deadline for the submission of self-assessment tax returns for the year ending April 5 1999 is rapidly approaching.

All completed returns plus balancing payments of 1998/99 tax due and the first payment for the current tax year, must be with the Revenue by Monday, January 31.

Ian Evans, tax partner, said: "The Revenue have caused confusion on the January 31 deadline by saying that they will treat returns placed in their post box by 7.30 am on Wednesday, February 2, as received in sufficient time."

"Clearly, this concession should only be used in extreme circumstances and wherever possible returns should be with the Revenue by close of business on January 31."

Failure to meet the deadline triggers an automatic penalty of £100, or the tax outstanding January 31 if less, for each late return. Interest will be charged on all late payments, with an additional five per cent surcharge added to any payments not received by February 28, rising to 10 per cent if not paid by July 31.

He added: "If there are any errors in your tax return it could be rejected. Common errors experienced by the Revenue include failure to fully complete the self employment pages and failure to sign and date the return. A rejected return is classed in the same category as one which has not been received and you could find yourself having to pay £100 simply for failing to sign the document."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.