Interesting mediation with the tax man

[vetran]

Got a dispute with the taxman? Try the one day quick fix - Telegraph

Taxpayers locked in dispute with HM Revenue & Customs can now settle their affairs using a one-day “quick fix”.
The taxman is fast-tracking aggrieved members of the public through to a hearing to hammer out a settlement within a few hours.
The one-day hearing involves a mediator, either an HMRC employee or an independent third party, listening to both sides of the story in an attempt to unlock the stalemate between the taxpayer and the Revenue. The mediator’s aim is to reach a settlement during the course of the day.

[chef]

so it goes something like:

Hector: "you owe us a LOT of tax"
You: "no i dont"
Mediator (also employed by Hector): "hmm good point raised on both sides, Hector is right though I think, and btw now you've had mediation you cant come back and take this any higher, sorry.. bend over"

[VectraMan]

Meditation with the tax man would be more effective. The aim would be to reach enlightenment by the end of the day.

[cojak]

so it goes something like:

Hector: "you owe us a LOT of tax"
You: "no i dont"
Mediator (also employed by Hector): "hmm good point raised on both sides, Hector is right though I think, and btw now you've had mediation you cant come back and take this any higher, sorry.. bend over"

I went to a PCG IR35 event last night - they said exactly the same thing.

[vetran]

I went to a PCG IR35 event last night - they said exactly the same thing.

I was sort of assuming you would go with representation.

That way if they fail to reach a sensible conclusion when you get to the tribunal your expert can point out the time wasted since the mediation is chargeable and unwarranted?

A few of those and HMRC might be warned off speculative grabs or dragging out the stress.
Be interesting to see how QDOS & others see it forming.

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

Unfortunately, in most cases, HMRC hammering out a settlement actually does involve a hammer

[vetran]

Unfortunately, in most cases, HMRC hammering out a settlement actually does involve a hammer

how depressing. If only involved a P45 for them occasionally.

[TykeMerc]

It's not really possible to have any type of mediation unless the mediator/facilitator is clearly and demonstrably independent.

How could this proposal have made it past basic scrutiny with what's an obvious defect?