HMRC Proposals Recently Under Consultation

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has put forward new tough proposals to tackle tax avoidance, according to reports.

The organisation has been consulting on plans to introduce new powers which will allow it to issue payment notices to anyone who uses an avoidance scheme which the courts have made a ruling in relation to, according to Money Marketing.

This would include being able to issue notices to those who use an avoidance scheme which is currently the subject of an open inquiry, while this would include existing and new cases.

The website reports that the move could lead to the publication of a list of schemes prior to the introduction of the Finance Bill, with plans to then issue notices and demand payments within three months.

It is believed the introduction of the proposals may lead the HMRC to collect potentially millions in terms of unpaid tax.

Expert Opinion

If introduced, these measures could have a significant impact on a huge number of people and organisations and will have a far-reaching effect. <br/> <br/>"For many, this will undoubtedly be a draconian move and it could prove to be a massive shock. It will be interesting to see how this develops and how this will work once the legislation has been given Royal Assent. <br/> <br/>"The proposals would bring a massive cashflow advantage to HMRC. The provisions put HMRC in a position where it is pre-empting the decision of the tribunal. Most would argue that is unfair."