There’s a new government in Westminster and a “black hole” in the public finances so, HMRC might be forgiven for feeling under pressure to increase its recovery of unpaid taxes. But what is unforgivable is…
Sales suppression one-to-many letter
HMRC has launched a campaign of one-to-many letters given its increasing concern surrounding the electronic suppression of sales (ESS). The campaign targets businesses that might have unpaid taxes due to misuse of their till systems.…
Small businesses top tax gap defaulters
The tax gap increased in 2022/2023, to a record £39.8 billion, with small businesses being blamed for around 60% of uncollected taxes. The tax gap is the difference between the amount of tax that should,…
HMRC and Provisional Liquidations via S.234 Insolvency Act 1986
We are seeing a marked increase in HMRC’s use of provisional liquidations particularly where umbrella companies are concerned. Some readers may have an opinion on umbrella companies and may argue that HMRC are on the…
HMRC ramps up its checks and investigations
There’s no respite for HMRC with inheritance tax (IHT) accounts, undeclared dividend income and gains from share disposals to scrutinise. HMRC is currently busy with several ongoing checks. They are looking at IHT accounts, targeting…
HMRC, eBay and second-hand news
The media storm surrounding HMRC taxing eBay and other online sellers from the start of 2024 was, in fact, itself counterfeit goods. A crop of stories across social and traditional media swirled across the start…
New PAYE process for High Income Child Benefit Charge
One of the many criticisms aimed at the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) is that anyone caught by the charge needs to submit a self-assessment tax return even if all of their tax is…
Businesses failing to pay minimum wage
Just over 200 businesses – including some of the country’s best-known retailers – have failed to pay the minimum wage and will have to repay workers and face penalties of up to £7 million. The…