Harris Lipman are Professional Chartered Accountants & Insolvency Practitioners in London

Tax & Accounting News

Tougher tax enforcement by HM Revenue & Customs

31/10/2005

The recently-merged HM Revenue & Customs have made the ending of tax avoidance a priority, and have stated that a tougher line will be taken on enforcement generally.

In an interview with Accountancy Age, the director general, Dave Hartnett, said that:

  • The department's goal was to make tax avoidance not worthwhile within three years;
  • Action against avoidance schemes would be stepped up, including looking into the corporation tax effects of VAT schemes;
  • Settlements of less than 100p in the pound will no longer be accepted in national insurance contributions cases;
  • Any court decisions that tax avoidance is illegal will be applied as widely as possible.

This is clearly a statement of intent, and the effects will filter down to all tax offices, so businesses can expect tougher enforcement of all aspects of tax compliance.

 

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