HMRC Consultative Document - marketed tax avoidance schemes

[vern19]

My MP is useless (but most of them are!) but I would be more than happy to write to him. Without causing an issue for myself worse that it already is though, what is the best thing to say?

Something along the lines of -

Dear xxxx,

I have been directed to a consultation document called 'Tackling marketed tax avoidance' (link below). In summary the proposals are for any tax payer in dispute with HMRC to pay the tax estimated by HMRC first and then fight his/her corner in a tribunal. Where as currently the tax payer can appeal and the case may go to court if a settlement cannot be found.

This may well force the tax payer into bankruptcy before they can attempt to justify their position with HMRC in Court. This will certainly destroy families and adversely affect the economy. Meanwhile foreign companies pay corporation tax in the single figures and HMRC do nothing.

I know that when dealing with HMRC the tax payer is assumed guilty and has to prove innocence but this proposal goes way too far.

I would be very interested in your thoughts

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload..._avoidance.pdf


Yours sincerely,

[DonkeyRhubarb]

It is important to point out that this isn't just aimed at disputes that arise in future.

It would also apply to existing disputes going back to 2004 when DOTAS was introduced. According to HMRC, they have 65,000 of these open cases.

[lfcynwa]

Something along the lines of -

Dear xxxx,

I have been directed to a consultation document called 'Tackling marketed tax avoidance' (link below). In summary the proposals are for any tax payer in dispute with HMRC to pay the tax estimated by HMRC first and then fight his/her corner in a tribunal. Where as currently the tax payer can appeal and the case may go to court if a settlement cannot be found.

This may well force the tax payer into bankruptcy before they can attempt to justify their position with HMRC in Court. This will certainly destroy families and adversely affect the economy. Meanwhile foreign companies pay corporation tax in the single figures and HMRC do nothing.

I know that when dealing with HMRC the tax payer is assumed guilty and has to prove innocence but this proposal goes way too far.

I would be very interested in your thoughts

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload..._avoidance.pdf


Yours sincerely,

thanks for this I shall get writing..

[VictorValiant]

Support from MP

I have already sent my local MP [Labour] an e-mail regarding our concerns and the lack of natural justice in the proposals. Emphasising yet again the retrospective aspect of them. He immediately responded using the phrase "hugely interesting" and has forwarded my comments and references on to his colleagues in the Shadow Treasury. I will be following up with a visit to see him this weekend. Keep pushing and make them aware of what is going on in the background.

[creativity]

I have already sent my local MP [Labour] an e-mail regarding our concerns and the lack of natural justice in the proposals. Emphasising yet again the retrospective aspect of them. He immediately responded using the phrase "hugely interesting" and has forwarded my comments and references on to his colleagues in the Shadow Treasury. I will be following up with a visit to see him this weekend. Keep pushing and make them aware of what is going on in the background.

Well done victor. I am going to compile my letter this weekend and get in touch with my MP.
We all should be doing this as the more MP's who understand the details the better. Clearly we want an end to these ambiguous schemes but HMRC are really going a step too far with these sweeping powers to be judge, jury and executioner all within 90 days!
If HMRC manage to get this finance bill through I will be leaving the country - not to save money but to live in a country where they don't take liberties.

[vern19]

thanks for this I shall get writing..

Ok but this is just a suggestion. It would look pretty lame if everyone just copy and pastes

[malvolio]

Ok but this is just a suggestion. It would look pretty lame if everyone just copy and pastes

Worse than that. It will be noticed by the secretariat and all of them will go in the bin. MPs only respond to individual letters.

[vern19]

Worse than that. It will be noticed by the secretariat and all of them will go in the bin. MPs only respond to individual letters.

Rubbish. My MP has responded to me already regarding retrospective taxation

[malvolio]

Rubbish. My MP has responded to me already regarding retrospective taxation

Responding to a form letter identical to a few hundred others?

Also, your MP responding means little or nothing. David Gauke (in this government) responding is the target (and yes, I have a couple of letters from the Minister in recent years on various tax-related matters)

[lfcynwa]

Noted and Thanks

Ok but this is just a suggestion. It would look pretty lame if everyone just copy and pastes

- Yep but a good starting point, I wasn't intending on copying word for word..