Information and Inspection Powers

From 1st April 2009 HMRC will have one set of new Information and Inspection Powers to use in Tax Enquiries and Investigations, covering: PAYE; VAT; Income Tax; Capital Gains Tax; Corporation Tax and the Construction Industry Scheme.  There are also new: record keeping requirements; time limits for Tax assessments and claims - and some safeguards. HMRC call it: the new aligned Compliance Checks Framework.

The Taxman will have power to:

• Visit businesses to inspect the premises, assets and records (including at your home, if that's where you work);
• Ask taxpayers and third parties (e.g. your bank and business contacts)  for information and documents;
• Change record keeping requirements after 1 April 2009.

What does it mean for me?

Businesses will have to be thoroughly familiar with the new rules.  Accountants and Tax Advisers will need to be vigilant in upholding their clients' rights, and the few protections available, and defending them from intrusive and unjustified use of these powers.

Lynam Tax specialise in dealing with HMRC and are experts in the application of these new rules and how to defend clients from unfair or inappropriate use of HMRC powers.

If you need advice and help in a difficult Tax Enquiry call Paul now on 0845 643 9997 or email:  partners@lynamtax.co.uk

For more information about the new Information and Inspection Powers click here for our news article: New Tax Compliance Checks Regime.