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Claims about complaints are 'erroneous'

22 October 2008
Categories: News , Admin
Taxman lambastes crime-case grievance assertions

HMRC have refuted claims about complaints concerning the department's methods of enforcing tax law.

According to chartered accountants Wilkins Kennedy, the Revenue received 1,567 notices of grievances during 2007-08, a 21% rise on the previous tax year.

'These complaints relate to investigations that are treated by HMRC as criminal rather than civil cases,' said the company, pointing to the taxman's 'tough new criminal investigation powers' as a reason for the increase.

HMRC pointed out that the powers had either only recently come into effect (in December 2007 or April this year) or were not yet active and, therefore, were unlikely to have had any bearing on 2007-08 matters.

The department added that to suggest an increasing criminalisation of tax cases was erroneous.

Wilkins Kennedy explained that the Revenue 'has taken a more hawkish approach towards law enforcement following the merger of HM Inland Revenue with HM Customs & Excise in 2005'.

The department responded by saying that complaints figures for law enforcement cover not just tax issues 'but a wide range of operations in countering serious crimes, such as smuggling and money laundering.

'As such, the number of complaints relating to criminal tax investigations are a minority. Where HMRC undertake a criminal investigation into suspected crime… our officers are governed by strict rules and comply fully with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.'

The Revenue went on to note that it is 'scrutinised by a number of external agencies that ensure standards are maintained', including HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Categories: News , Admin
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