Jim Ferguson, Head of the Review of HMRC’s Powers, wants to reassure agents about the new dishonest tax agents legislation.
Agents hold a vital position in the tax system. HMRC thinks that there are very few dishonest tax agents but it needs to be able to take action against those it finds. The legislation published in Finance Bill 2012 is designed to help HMRC identify and penalise such agents and by doing so protect the vast majority of honest professional agents. The aim is that the legislation will come into effect for dishonest conduct on or after 1 April 2013.
We know that the profession as a whole agrees with this aim. HMRC has worked closely with the professional bodies on this legislation. Their helpful...
