The head of HMRC Sir Jim Harra is going to step down as chief executive after 40 years working at the tax authority
He has confirmed that he will retire from the Civil Service in April 2025. He extended his term by six months from the usual five-year tenure, to lead HMRC through the general election and the following months.
Harra said in a LinkedIn post: ‘I am due to complete my tenure as first permanent secretary/chief executive in the spring, when I will be retiring from HMRC and the Civil Service.
‘The recruitment exercise to find my successor is now under way. If you have the right skills and experience, please consider applying – it’s a fascinating and rewarding role with national impact, for candidates of the right calibre.’
Harra has been chief executive and first permanent secretary at HMRC since 2019. He originally took the post on an interim basis in January 2018 after replacing Sir Jon Thompson when he left the Civil Service to head up the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
Harra has led the organisation during a turbulent time with the budget under pressure and increasing criticism about a deterioration in customer service. Cost cutting saw a move to slash telephone helplines earlier this year, but the decision was overturned in days due to an outcry from professional bodies and the then chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
‘I have been exceptionally proud to work in HMRC for over 40 years and to lead the Department since I was appointed to this role in October 2019,’ said Harra.
‘I’ve always been incredibly proud of the work we do to improve the lives of others right across the UK, supporting taxpayers and collecting the money which pays for vital public services.
‘I will continue to focus in the coming six months to deliver the government’s priorities and our vision of a modern, trusted tax and customs authority.’
Harra has been at the tax authority for 40 years, having begun his career in the Inland Revenue as an inspector of taxes in 1984. In January 2009, he was appointed director of corporation tax and VAT, responsible for optimising the design and delivery of these business taxes. He became director of personal tax customer operations in March 2011, and director of personal tax operations in October 2011. He was appointed director general for business tax in April 2012.
Continuing his upward trajectory, he later was appointed tax assurance commissioner and director general customer strategy and tax design.
In July, Harra was knighted in the King’s birthday honours list.
At the time, Harra said: ‘I have always been incredibly proud of the work HMRC does to support UK taxpayers and to collect the money which pays for vital public services.
‘This recognition is very much a result of the collective hard work of everyone at HMRC – and I am truly honoured to receive it, in what is my 40th year anniversary with the department.’
The job is advertised on Civil Service Jobs with a salary of £185,000 to £200,000, and a civil service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%. The closing date for applications is 22 October. The chief executive reports directly to the Cabinet Secretary.
Tax does have to be taxing.
Tax Investigation Insurance
Market leading tax fee protection insurance for businesses, sole traders and individuals. Protect yourself from accountancy fees in the event of an HMRC enquiry.
Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.
You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.
Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees up to £100,000 if you are subject to enquiry by or dispute with HMRC.
A Solar Protect policy will enable your accountant (your tax return agent) to:
- Deal with any correspondence from HMRC
- Attend any meeting with HMRC
- Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
- Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly
Please click here for details.
HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"
