Taxation logo taxation mission text

Since 1927 the leading authority on tax law, practice and administration

Move the penalty spot

21 April 2015 / Mike Thexton
Issue: 4497 / Categories: Comment & Analysis , penalties , Admin , Investigations
thexton_edit_0

HMRC are reviewing their system of fines

KEY POINTS

  • Behaviour-based penalties work well on paper but cause confusion and do not seem to influence taxpayer behaviour.
  • HMRC’s penalty discussion document considers the principles set out in the powers review.
  • The impact of the Equoland judgment on a unified penalty system.
  • Penalties must be credible and consistent.

After arguing that the VAT default surcharge was unfair and should be reformed the Chartered Institute of Taxation asked me to meet two HMRC officials to discuss the matter.

Then an invitation arrived to a workshop hosted by HMRC on a discussion document about penalty reform in general. This article reviews some of the issues raised by the discussion document and the workshop. The views expressed are my own.

HMRC published the penalties review discussion document on...

Only subscribers may read the full article

Alternatively, you can register free of charge to read a limited amount of subscriber content per month.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email directing you back to read this item in full.
back to top icon