Protecting that data

Since the data loss fiasco etc. we have now found out that HMRC tax personnel are not allowed to take client files out to meetings. We only learned this when on a visit from the SCO entailing a round trip from Widnes to London the officers turned up with no files.

This was a second meeting and a lot needed to be discussed. Needless to say HMRC were slightly on the back foot and the meeting only lasted 15 minutes with most points successfully argued in our client's favour.

Obviously if there is a meeting hold it at your offices.

Editorial note

We took up this matter with HMRC and received the following reply.

'Taxpayer files are more than likely to contain restricted information. Staff are instructed to:

• Never take data outside the office unless they really need to.
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