Jim Harra To Retire From HMRC

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.

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