Finance Act 1985

33 Interpretation and construction of Chapter II

(1) In this Chapter " the principal Act" means the [1983 c. 55.] Value Added Tax Act 1983.

(2) For the purpose of any provision of this Chapter which refers to a reasonable excuse for any conduct,—

(a) an insufficiency of funds to pay any tax 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.

(3) In relation to a prescribed accounting period, any reference in this Chapter to credit for input tax includes a reference to any sum which, in a return for that period, is claimed as a deduction from tax due.

(4) In any case where—

(a) an amount is due from the Commissioners to any person under section 14(5) of the principal Act, and

(b) that person is liable to pay a sum assessed by way of penalty, interest or surcharge,

the amount referred to in paragraph (a) above shall be set against the sum referred to in paragraph (b) above and, accordingly, to the extent of the set-off, the obligations of the Commissioners and the person concerned shall be discharged.

(5) This Chapter shall be construed as one with the principal Act except that—

(a) references in section 39(9) of that Act (application of certain provisions to offences and penalties) to penalties do not include references to penalties under sections 13 to 17 above ; and

(b) section 45 of that Act (orders, rules and regulations) does not apply in relation to orders under any provision of this Chapter.