An updated version of the HMRC charter was published on 5 November, alongside a summary of responses to HMRC’s consultation. The charter sets out the standard of behaviour that individuals and businesses should expect when interacting with HMRC. The consultation revealed a number of key suggestions which HMRC is now starting to reflect both within the new charter document itself and also more generally in its work:
Many respondents to the consultation felt that the charter standards had been diluted as a result of the adoption of a more accessible and ‘human’ tone. In response, HMRC has reintroduced some of the detail from the previous version including the section ‘Recognising that someone can represent you’, also adding a reference to the standards expected of tax agents.
To address concerns around visibility of the charter both inside and outside the department, HMRC is developing a set of compliance professional standards structured around the charter standards to ensure that taxpayers’ individual circumstances are considered in compliance enquiries. HMRC has also published key principles on extra help for taxpayers who need additional support. HMRC will also link the charter principles into future tax policy development.
An updated version of the HMRC charter was published on 5 November, alongside a summary of responses to HMRC’s consultation. The charter sets out the standard of behaviour that individuals and businesses should expect when interacting with HMRC. The consultation revealed a number of key suggestions which HMRC is now starting to reflect both within the new charter document itself and also more generally in its work:
Many respondents to the consultation felt that the charter standards had been diluted as a result of the adoption of a more accessible and ‘human’ tone. In response, HMRC has reintroduced some of the detail from the previous version including the section ‘Recognising that someone can represent you’, also adding a reference to the standards expected of tax agents.
To address concerns around visibility of the charter both inside and outside the department, HMRC is developing a set of compliance professional standards structured around the charter standards to ensure that taxpayers’ individual circumstances are considered in compliance enquiries. HMRC has also published key principles on extra help for taxpayers who need additional support. HMRC will also link the charter principles into future tax policy development.
