House of Lords call for evidence on extent of HMRC powers

The House of Lords’ Economic Affairs Finance Bill Sub-committee has issued a call for evidence for its enquiry on the draft Finance Bill 2018.

The peers are focusing on the balance of powers and safeguards between HMRC and the taxpayer. This will include consideration of the principles that should govern the development of HMRC powers in a globalised digital information age; how the department’s powers should be differentiated to reflect the various problems being tackled; whether there is enough oversight of HMRC powers; and the powers and safeguards in the security deposit regime and the assessment of offshore matters.

The sub-committee will also examine progress on Making Tax Digital for VAT and the rollout timetable for the wider MTD reporting. It will also review the readiness of HMRC businesses and software providers for MTD for VAT as well as the challenges of concurrent preparations for Brexit.

Responses should...