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The Government has launched a consultation on proposals to add to the circumstances when HMRC will seek upfront payments from users of tax avoidance schemes. The Treasury describes this measure as 'changing the economic incentives to avoid tax and promote tax avoidance'.
This follows the Autumn Statement 2013 announcement that HMRC will ask for upfront payment from taxpayers using avoidance schemes the same as or similar to one that has been defeated in the courts.
The consultation will look at proposals to include any disputed tax associated with schemes that are subject to the Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes (DOTAS) regime and taxpayers engaging in the most abusive tax avoidance and therefore being investigated under the Government’s tough new anti-avoidance legislation – the General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR).
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Although not changing the underlying tax rules, these changes will significantly shift the economic balance and will also help HMRC in resolving around 65,000 cases it is currently investigating.
It will also act as a deterrent to those tempted to exploit the cashflow advantage allowed by the current rules.
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury said: "The Government has been absolutely clear that we will not tolerate aggressive tax avoidance and will take action to make sure people pay the taxes that are due. While the vast majority of taxpayers play by the rules, there is still a minority who will engage in artificial schemes as a way to avoid their responsibilities.
"The consultation we are publishing will not only seek to remove the advantage that tax avoidance schemes users have; it will send a clear message to anyone thinking of using these schemes to avoid paying the tax that is due – tax avoidance doesn’t pay."
Contrived
HMRC says that while the vast majority of people pay the taxes that they owe on time, there is a minority who enter into contrived schemes that have little or no chance of working.
Currently, taxpayers must disclose that they are using an avoidance scheme and therefore accept the possibility that HMRC may challenge the scheme. These proposals to seek upfront payment will only apply where the scheme hits 'avoidance hallmarks'. HMRC says that it is effectively an extension of the terms and conditions taxpayers may have to accept when deciding to use an avoidance scheme.
Taxpayers will be free to continue to make their case to the tribunal or court and, if successful, their money will be returned with interest.
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2014
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