71 Construction of sections [F159] [F160] to 70.U.K.
(1)For the purpose of any provision of sections [F259] [F260] to 70 which refers to a reasonable excuse for any conduct—
(a)an insufficiency of funds to pay any VAT due is not a reasonable excuse; and
(b)where reliance is placed on any other person to perform any task, neither the fact of that reliance nor any dilatoriness or inaccuracy on the part of the person relied upon is a reasonable excuse.
(2)In relation to a prescribed accounting period, any reference in sections [F359] [F360] to 69 to credit for input tax includes a reference to any sum which, in a return for that period, is claimed as a deduction from VAT due.
Textual Amendments
F1Word in s. 71 heading substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 19; S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F2Word in s. 71(1) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 19; S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F3Word in s. 71(2) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 19; S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2