Modernising HMRC

HMRC have published two consultation documents on modernising HM Revenue & Customs powers, deterrents and safeguards.

The first paper contains proposals for modernising and improving HMRC’s information powers, and accompanying safeguards, in two key areas:

• bulk information powers – these allow HMRC to gather specific pieces of information about a group of taxpayers for use in risk analysis e.g. interest paid by banks without deducting tax; and
• specialist unnamed taxpayer powers – these allow HMRC, in certain tightly-described circumstances, to ask for information from a third party about an unnamed taxpayer, for example, to check a transaction where it’s not clear who the relevant taxpayer is.

The second consultation looks at ideas for a new and modernised excise checking framework, as well as ways of improving excise administrative procedures, in order to reduce admin burdens for business. The proposals cover excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, energy products, gambling duties and air passenger duty.

The consultations follow the introduction in April 2009 of a new compliance checking framework for a range of taxes, which brought in a new set of rules and safeguards for HMRC inspections, visits and enquiries across a range of taxes.

The full titles of the consultation documents are “Modernising Powers, Deterrents and Safeguards: Bulk and specialist information powers” and “Modernising Powers, Deterrents and Safeguards: Excise: Modernisation and Compliance Checks”.

The consultation documents, and accompanying Impact Assessments, are available on the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/consultations (click the “current consultations” option).

Article Added Monday, 13 July 2009

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