HMRC are seeking views on the design of a new penalty framework to ‘modernise or align’ more than 300 civil penalties across a range of taxes.
A discussion document issued in January noted that in looking at the key ‘common offences’, the review of powers had not looked at the ‘plethora’ of different penalties that apply for failures to comply with regulatory requirements or obligations relevant to each tax regime.
Those penalties are referred to as ‘regulatory penalties’ in the latest consultation, for the sake of clarity.
‘Once this work has been completed, the UK tax regime will be supported by a modernised and aligned administrative framework with common design principles,’ HMRC said.
‘The treatment of the same non-compliance for different taxes and duties will no longer attract differing sanctions under the law, except in those rare occasions where it makes sense to do otherwise. Safeguards will be present, clear and consistent.’
The department said most respondents to the January discussion document welcomed an opportunity to address ‘an extensive and complex aspect of tax administration’. But a key concern was that care would have to be taken to avoid over-complicating the penalty regime under the title of simplification.
HMRC have published a revised summary of legislation and effective dates in relation to criminal investigation powers, compliance checks, payment of tax and penalties.
HMRC are seeking views on the design of a new penalty framework to ‘modernise or align’ more than 300 civil penalties across a range of taxes.
A discussion document issued in January noted that in looking at the key ‘common offences’, the review of powers had not looked at the ‘plethora’ of different penalties that apply for failures to comply with regulatory requirements or obligations relevant to each tax regime.
Those penalties are referred to as ‘regulatory penalties’ in the latest consultation, for the sake of clarity.
‘Once this work has been completed, the UK tax regime will be supported by a modernised and aligned administrative framework with common design principles,’ HMRC said.
‘The treatment of the same non-compliance for different taxes and duties will no longer attract differing sanctions under the law, except in those rare occasions where it makes sense to do otherwise. Safeguards will be present, clear and consistent.’
The department said most respondents to the January discussion document welcomed an opportunity to address ‘an extensive and complex aspect of tax administration’. But a key concern was that care would have to be taken to avoid over-complicating the penalty regime under the title of simplification.
HMRC have published a revised summary of legislation and effective dates in relation to criminal investigation powers, compliance checks, payment of tax and penalties.
