Compliance

A Working Together workshop considered penalties for inaccuracies

Changes to direct recovery of debts raise questions about the power’s practicality

Cases in which tax charities were able to help taxpayers in seemingly hopeless situations

HMRC’s civil penalty system is working in line with its objectives but cannot be shown to be encouraging positive behavioural change in taxpayers, according to the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS).

The announcement follows a short research project by the office that focused on inconsistencies in the application of the fines and found them to be appropriate for the increasingly digitised nature of the tax system.

Tax experts have applauded the government’s decision to water down controversial plans to give HMRC extra tax debt-collection powers.

Extra safeguards and additional time for consultation on direct recovery of debts (DRD) mean the measure will be delayed until after next year’s general election.

The impact of globalisation of tax, as seen from a PAC-led conference

Do HMRC operate within the confines of their charter?

Key activities for this week

G Laithwaite (TC3879)

Open and closed issues in summary

HMRC’s compliance office dedicated to the tax affairs of the country’s best-off people has passed a major landmark in its five-year history.

The high net worth (HNW) unit has collected more than £1bn in additional tax revenue since being formed in 2009, with £268m retrieved in 2013/14, according to a new Revenue report, which show a rise on the previous year’s £222m.

The 2012/13 tax gap was £34bn, or 6.8% of tax liabilities, according to newly released HMRC figures, which show a small rise on the £33bn (6.6%) in the previous year (revised down from an initial £35bn).