New powers will take effect in April
HMRC is to be granted with powers targeted at dishonest conduct by tax agents.
Legislation will come in to force on 1 April 2013 to align procedures across all taxes administered by the Revenue except customs duty and tax credits. The new rules will allow the department to:
- investigate dishonest conduct by tax agents;
- charge civil penalties of up to £50,000 where there has been dishonest conduct; and
- publish the details of agents who are penalised.
Safeguards will include tribunal approval for information requests and appeal rights.
