Embed simplification in tax policy, says OTS

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has published a report setting out its approach to tax simplification. It has one overriding recommendation: that the principle of simplification should be embedded in the general tax policy making process.

The report considers complexity and how tax simplification is not a policy objective in itself but should be a core consideration for the government to support taxpayers through the design implementation and administration of tax policy at every stage in the policy making process and when measuring the success of a policy after implementation. It discusses how lack of clarity on the purpose or outcome of the rules can affect productivity growth and investment decisions as well as how undue administrative burdens and unclear obligations can create costs for taxpayers intermediaries advisers and government.

The review also outlines that the OTS will continue...