Invitation to be involved in independant research for HMRC

[keeno65]

Hi Guys, first post, I have quite a few different tax years currently under appeal.

I received a letter yesterday from the Counter Avoidance Policy Development Dept, asking if I am willing to take part in some research by a compnay called IFF research to help HMRC understand the reason people use contractor avoidance schemes. It goes on to say I don't have to take part and if I do, no information will be shared with HMRC.
Has anybody else had this letter, and if so should we opt out or do it?

Thanks

[MLeggsy]

Opinion

Hi Guys, first post, have quite a different tax years currently under appeal.

I received a letter yesterday from the Counter Avoidance Policy Development Dept, asking if I am willing to take part in some research by a compnay called IFF research to help HMRC understand the reason people use contractor avoidance schemes. It goes on to say I don't have to take part and if I do, no information will be shared with HMRC.
Has anybody else had this letter, and if so should we opt out or do it?

Thanks

Hi Keeno65,

Lots of these have been received. Some people will take part, others will opt out and ultimately the choice is yours. If you want to put your side of the story across then go for it.

MLeggsy

[Dylan]

Making you opt out from them passing your personal information to a third party, bless them

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...hold-about-you

Ignore the letter, if the third party contacts you then complain to the information commissioner.

[Loan Ranger]

to help HMRC understand the reason people use contractor avoidance schemes.

What, after nearly 20 years, they still don't know?

[regron]

Simple response will suffice:

'IR35'

[Dylan]

Anyone answering this without having settled their affairs first is mental, consider it entrapment and assume it will be used against you.

Can just see it now, arriving at tribunal to see HMRC clutching a bunch of surveys where people have told them why they switched to a tax avoidance scheme

[Scruff]

Ermm - I would be concerned from whom "IFF Research" (whoever they are) got your personal details?

Once they answer you, File 13.

[MLeggsy]

Ermm - I would be concerned from whom "IFF Research" (whoever they are) got your personal details?

Once they answer you, File 13.

I.F.F RESEARCH LIMITED - Company number 00849983

Formed in 1965

HMRC have passed the details on - It's a letter from HMRC.

MLeggsy

[Dylan]

Which as stated above is against the law.

[keeno65]

Which as stated above is against the law.

Can you expand on why ?
Can I post the letter on here so you can see the full context of it ?