In the news: March 2025

‘It is vital to ensure that repayment interest provides adequate and fair recompense for the loss of the use of the monies by the business or individual concerned, and an adequate incentive for HMRC to process repayments in a timely fashion.’

Richard Wild, CIOT head of tax technical, Bloomberg Tax, 9 January

‘The Low Incomes Tax Reforms Group (LITRG), a charity, said that more people might now have to file tax returns, but using information they find hard to manage.’

The Guardian on reporting rules for online marketplaces, 11 January

‘If you are filing yourself online using HMRC’s filing system, make sure you have not just completed but also submitted your return. Every year, some people get to the end of their tax return and think they have completed it when they haven’t…’

ATT technical officer Helen Thornley in the Guardian on self-assessment tax return tips, 11 January

‘A joint report by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the CIOT in December 2024 laid bare its inadequacies. It found that HMRC chatbots only appear to connect 49% of the time and the resolution rate is only 21% even once a connection is established.’

Daily Mail article on HMRC customer service, 16 January

‘Incidentally, if you receive a letter from HMRC accompanied by a Certificates of Tax Position form, please take extra care. Guidance from the CIOT is that you should not complete these certificates without first taking professional advice.’

Daily Telegraph article on HMRC ‘nudge letters’, 21 January

‘The CIOT has suggested that the tax saving [between Scottish tax rates and the rest of the UK]is equivalent to about 54p per week for those on salaries of less than £30,000.’

The Times article on Scottish tax divergence, 26 January

‘The ATT is just one of many bodies who have highlighted concerns about the administrative complexities the new measures will bring, as well as the potential consequences for some unmarried couples.’

Daily Telegraph article on inheritance tax changes to pensions, 4 February