ICAEW Asks HMRC To Drop Quarterly Reporting

 

In a letter addressed to HMRC’s Joanna Rowland and Jonathan Athow, ICAEW’s Frank Haskew said:

"In particular, we consider that the administrative burden associated with quarterly updates is disproportionate and needs a rethink. Even when a taxpayer is maintaining digital records on a regular basis, having to ensure that these records are complete and checked by specific quarterly deadlines adds extra compliance burdens, especially where a bookkeeper or agent is involved as we expect in the majority of cases. Quarterly updates provide HMRC with little or no assurance about the quality of the underlying digital records. One of the reasons why quarterly reports are getting all the attention is because they can lead to late submission penalties. 

Record keeping penalties are not being reformed despite that being the primary behaviour that needs to change. We suggest that HMRC starts by introducing the requirements to maintain digital records and to submit details of income from self-employment and property directly from software but that the current annual reporting cycle is maintained. Quarterly reporting could be considered in the future, once an annual system is established, if that does not lead a sufficient improvement in record keeping. We anticipate, however, that given the increased impetus towards digitalisation, that requiring the use of software and digital records should provide most of the benefits sought. More frequent MTD ITSA reporting could be considered for those VAT registered businesses that already report on a quarterly cycle. Quarterly updates could be optional."

Pound to a penny HMRC does not drop the requirement!

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"