HMRC’s plans to strengthen tax avoidance sanctions and deterrents.
KEY POINTS
- Government plans to strengthen tax avoidance sanctions.
- The wide definition of tax avoidance is worrying.
- HMRC’s powers are strengthened.
- The taxpayer’s defence appears limited.
- Will such measures lead to all tax planning being outlawed?
In Budget 2016 the government indicated that it would explore options to sanction those who enable tax avoidance. HMRC followed this up on 17 August 2016 with a consultation document Strengthening Tax Avoidance Sanctions and Deterrents: A Discussion Document . This is broadly divided into four areas that look at proposals on:
- penalties for enablers of tax avoidance that is defeated;
- penalties for those who use tax avoidance that is defeated;
- what constitutes tax avoidance; and
- further...
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