We thought readers might be interested to see how well HMRC have done in the last year, collecting our taxes and tackling fraud. The following statement is reproduced from Parliament’s website and was made by The Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, on 2 July 2013. “These accounts give […]
HMRC sets up a further task force
Holiday businesses in Devon, Cornwall, North Wales, the Lake District and Blackpool area beware: the taxman has set up a further task force to seek out and bring to account business owners who are not declaring the correct information on their tax returns. The taskforces are trained to focus on particular business sectors and may […]
Deductions for loans against Inheritance Tax (IHT)
Generally speaking, debts of a person’s estate are deductible for IHT purposes – though there are some circumstances where specific debts cannot be deducted such as where the deceased had previously made a gift to the person who made the loan. Following this year’s Finance Act, which became law on 17 July, there are several […]
HMRCs My Tax Return Catch Up campaign
If you have been sent a tax return for any tax year up to 5 April 2012, and it has not been submitted, you may want to consider taking part in this campaign. In a nut-shell HMRC are offering to look kindly on any penalties chargeable, as a result of late filing or late payment […]
HMRC’s My Tax Return Catch Up campaign
If you have been sent a tax return for any tax year up to 5 April 2012, and it has not been submitted, you may want to consider taking part in this campaign. In a nut-shell HMRC are offering to look kindly on any penalties chargeable, as a result of late filing or late payment […]
Using Twitter as a PR Tool
Many businesses use Twitter as part of their social media strategy but many fail to utilise it properly as a publication relations (PR) tool. Some businesses view the 140 character limit per post as a negative but that is potentially due to a lack of understanding in terms of how best to use Twitter. The […]
What is Connect?
HMRC’s Connect software system provides data to underpin efforts to tackle tax fraud. It cost a mighty £45m to install in 2009 and by 2011 it had contributed to the assessment of £1.4bn in additional tax revenues. Connect is purported to have more data at its disposal than the British Library. It is not restricted […]
Online sales tax proposal criticised
In recent months the High Street retail industry has been lobbying for a more equitable tax system. In particular they want to see online traders charged a sales tax. High Street retailers argue that online sellers can afford to drop their prices as they have much lower costs; for example they do not have to […]
HMRC targets holiday businesses
HMRC have created yet another taskforce to seek out businesses owners who are believed to be paying less tax than they should. The new team will be concentrating on holiday businesses in certain areas of the UK. Initially, the tax investigation teams will be active in: Blackpool; the Lake District; North Wales; Devon and Cornwall. […]