Avoidance

HMRC is planning to shore up the disclosure of tax avoidance schemes (DOTAS) regime through a series of revamps and additions.

A consultation document published by the tax department puts forward options on how to improve the information provided through DOTAS and how to support the new accelerated payments rules.

The main proposals centre on changes to:

HMRC are offering users of contractor loan schemes the chance to avoid litigation over their tax affairs.

The schemes are complex arrangements by which individuals sign an agreement of employment with an offshore employer. They receive remuneration in the UK, through an offshore company or trust, in supposed non-taxable loans, rather than income.

Last week’s debate on transparency looked at ways to restore trust in the tax system

Looking ahead to Scotland’s land and buildings transaction tax

HMRC drop anti-avoidance plans

A view of the tenth and last Finance Bill debate sitting

MP Hodge attacked over report on tax breaks

W Ferguson (TC3562)

Half-term report on two offshore initiatives

Make sure HMRC’s search warrants are precise and intelligible

R, A and M Gardiner (TC3550)

The European Commission (EC) has opened investigations into whether decisions about corporation tax to be paid by Apple, Starbucks and Fiat complied with European Union (EU) rules on state aid.

The commission has been examining tax practices in several member states, following media reports alleging that some big businesses received significant reductions by way of rulings issued by national tax authorities. Decisions can involve state aid if they provide selective advantages to a specific company or group of companies.