In the news: October 2023

‘There remain concerns around HMRC’s data-gathering powers. Margaret Curran, of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, said: “We do not agree that the increasing use of data is a reason to broaden HMRC’s information powers as a whole.” Ms Curran added that while a more flexible approach may be easier for the bulk collection of third-party data, a “more prescriptive approach” would be best to maintain sufficient parliamentary oversight and safeguarding for taxpayers.’

Daily Telegraph, 21 July

‘It is important that HMRC has the ability to fully test new systems and processes in order to produce a tax system which is effective and efficient for taxpayers, their agents and HMRC. The systems developed to implement a number of recent policy changes have caused problems for all three groups.’

Jon Stride, vice chair, ATT Technical Steering Group, Scottish Financial News, 24 July

‘A letter to the Chancellor from leading industry figures, including the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, said “a major underlying problem is insufficient resourcing and underinvestment in HMRC’s systems”.’

Daily Mail / This Is Money on HMRC service levels, 1 August

‘HMRC is going to have to be on hand for all kinds of support and you wonder where that support is coming from if they are trying to reduce calls by 30%.’

Richard Wild, CIOT head of tax technical, on HMRC phone services, Financial Times, 3 August

‘The Chartered Institute of Taxation released a report on Friday with its members’ concerns about … Making Tax Digital, an approach to reduce the tax gap by requiring businesses and individuals to keep digital records and submit quarterly reports. The Institute surveyed members in June and July to find that 95% are not confident about the tax office’s ability to oversee the next step of introducing the digital project.’

Bloomberg Tax, 4 August