Taxation logo taxation mission text

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

Got an alternative response?

10 January 2012 / David Heaton
Issue: 4336 / Categories: Comment & Analysis , GAAR

It’s not perfect, says DAVID HEATON, but the GAAR proposal is the best offer out there for now

KEY POINTS

  • The climate for tax avoidance.
  • Aaronson: abuse rather than tax mitigation.
  • Safeguards to reassure taxpayers.
  • Compatibility with EU law and other tax treaties.

Another tax scheme flyer comes in from a client. What do I think? Does it work? Is it worth exploring further? What would HMRC’s reaction be?

Actually I made up that last question as I rarely come across anyone these days who thinks that HMRC will accept any arrangement that obviously saves tax without first seeking in some way to counter the perceived or actual advantage. Psychic powers are rarely needed to predict HMRC’s reaction to a ‘scheme’.

The next question the client asks or should be directed to consider is usually about how much it might cost to defend the scheme from the inevitable challenge.

...

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.
FIVE WAYS TO MAKE ACCOUNTS PRODUCTION AND TAX EASIER.
Download the exclusive Xero
free report here.

New queries
Please email any questions you might have
to: taxation@lexisnexis.co.uk.

back to top icon