Tax inspectors to gain new powers but safeguards delayed

News Article - Tuesday, August 26, 2008

filed under: Regulatory

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) inspectors are to receive new powers, including being able to enter business premises, but accountancy and tax bodies have said the powers should be delayed until a charter to protect taxpayers is in place.

As well as the extra powers, penalties will be incurred on non-paid tax, the severity of which will depend on factors like whether the offence was deliberate, reports the Guardian.

The powers, which will come into effect on April 1st 2009 as part of the Finance Act, will also include the ability to inspect and remove information and the amount taxpayers will be able to reclaim will be reduced from six to four years.

However, a charter which will aim for protection from over-zealous inspectors will not be published and distributed until late 2009 or 2010, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants believes that the powers should be delayed until the charter has been sent to taxpayers.

An HMRC spokesman told the newspaper that taxpayers would be protected by current safeguards and would be able to appeal to the adjudicator's office against any decisions.

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