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At the moment, there is a difference in the powers available to both oganisation. The Revenue needs to satisfy a judge before it can obtain a warrant to enter premises, but Customs & Excise, with greater powers to search and enter, does not.
According to The Telegraph, accountants fear that the Revenue's powers could become "more draconian" from April 1, when the merger is due to take effect.
A number of accountants expressed their concerns to the Telegraph.
Mike Warburton, of accountants Grant Thornton, said: "The seizing and entering powers of Customs & Excise stem from its role of catching smugglers. There is a general assumption that we are all smugglers but have just not been caught yet. Customs & Excise has the power to enter and seize documents and goods, but it is much more difficult for the Inland Revenue to do so.
"My fear is that, following the merger, they would average up the powers"
While this might not have much effect on the general taxpayer, it could have a big impact on businesses under investigation.
Chas Roy-Chowdhury, head of taxation at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, said: "We need to make sure Customs & Excise's draconian powers are not melded into the Revenue. They need to be modernised and in many cases decreased."
The Revenue claimed this was pure speculation as none of the legislation was currently in place. It declined to comment 'until the rules are up and running'.
Full article: 'Tough guy' taxman may be on way - Telegraph
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Susie Hughes © Shout99.com
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