Guide to Taxpayers' Rights and HMRC Powers

Guide to Taxpayers' Rights and HMRC Powers, Fourth Edition provides a thorough examination of the wide powers that HMRC possess and the limitations that apply to those powers. Most importantly, this handbook clearly explains the penalty regime for non-compliance and how to challenge HMRC if they threaten to penalise or charge interest on client tax returns. The book primarily covers the main taxes, namely income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax and VAT. It considers not only the legislation but also many important tribunal and court decisions on its interpretation. Guide to Taxpayers' Rights and HMRC Powers, Fourth Edition covers the significant legislative changes as a result of the Finance Act 2014 and Finance Act 2015 including: Accelerated payments and group relief; Diverted profits tax (including administrative provisions); Disposal of UK residential property by non-UK residents (including administrative provisions); Changes to ATED returns; Enforcement by deduction from accounts (direct recovery of tax debts); Penalties (additional rules); Penalties in connection with offshore asset moves; Changes to the DOTAS regime; Employment intermediaries: determination of penalties. Guide to Taxpayers' Rights and HMRC Powers deals with operational issues such as enquiries into tax returns and practical advice on how to handle them, business record checks, HMRC investigations, the impact of the Human Rights Act on taxpayer rights, international co-operation in relation to tax enforcement and DOTAS. Particular attention is paid to the crucial concepts of 'reasonable excuse' and 'failure to take reasonable care'.