Tax Take
VAT update, October 2016
In this month’s update we report on new HMRC guidance in relation to retrospective VAT group treatment, use and enjoyment rules in relation to insurance repaid services and a new consultation on the introduction of a new penalty for those involved in VAT fraud. We also report on three recent cases involving the collection of commercial waste and whether this constitutes a “special purpose regime”, whether a stall at a craft fair amounted to the grant of a licence to occupy land and was not therefore exempt from VAT and whether a taxpayer can withdraw its request that the proceedings be excluded from the costs regime.
Read moreCorporate tax update - Third quarter 2016
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s tax team and published quarterly. Summer 2016 will certainly go down as one of the more interesting in recent British history but developments in UK tax law continue regardless of the wider political turmoil. In this edition we highlight some of the key tax developments of interest to UK corporates from the third quarter of 2016. As far as the tax legislative timetable is concerned, in this quarter: the Finance Bill 2016 finally received Royal Assent on 15 September 2016 (known as Finance Act 2016); it was announced that this year’s Autumn Statement will be given on 23 November 2016; it was also announced that draft Finance Bill 2017 clauses will be published on 5 December 2016 (for consultation until 30 January 2017).
Read moreEden Consulting Services - Tribunal has no jurisdiction to consider HMRC's duty to act fairly in administering its statutory powers
In Eden Consulting Services (Richmond) Ltd v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 656 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) determined, as a preliminary issue, that it did not have jurisdiction to consider HMRC's alleged conduct, behaviour and abuse of its powers in determining an appeal against unauthorised payment charges and that such issues are properly for judicial review proceedings and/or the HMRC Adjudicator.
Read moreStan Murray-Hession: Tribunal allows taxpayer's share loss relief claim
In Stan Murray-Hession v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 612, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), held that Mr Murray-Hession (the Appellant) had subscribed for shares within the meaning of section 135(2), Income Tax Act 2007 (ITA), so that share loss relief, under section 131, ITA, was available.
Read moreTribunal rejects HMRC's attempt to transfer PAYE liability to employee
In Stephen West v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 536 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal and confirmed that under the PAYE system the obligation to pay income tax fell on the employer, and liability will only be transferred to the employee under the regulation of the Income Tax (Pay As You Earn) Regulations 2003, if he has received his remuneration knowing that his employer has wilfully and deliberately failed to deduct PAYE.
Read moreTax update, October 2016
In this update we report on the Worldwide Disclosure Facility recently announced by HMRC, new sanctions for failure to register, and the latest Spotlights published by HMRC. We also comment on some recent tax decisions relating to industrial buildings allowance, offsetting losses arising in a UK permanent establishment against profits earned by its UK business and opting out of the costs regime.
Read moreVat update, September 2016
In this update we report on changes to the VAT treatment of single dwellings with more than one building, an extension to the simplified mechanism for employer input tax deductions in relation to investment management services and new guidance on HMRC’s powers to seek to recover underpaid VAT from online marketplaces. We also report on three recent cases involving MTIC fraud, reasonable excuse for late payment of VAT and whether supplies relating to fractional ownership interests in a property are exempt from VAT.
Read moreN Brown Group Plc: Tribunal confirms there is no going back once a taxpayer has opted out of the costs regime
In N Brown Group Plc and Another v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 445 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), has confirmed that it did not have the power to permit a taxpayer to withdraw its written request that the proceedings be excluded from the costs regime.
Read moreJaved And Azra Mughal - Tribunal considers the rules relevant to "hardship" applications
In Javed and Azra Mughal (Partnership) Trading as Dallas Chicken and Ribs v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 456 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has considered the extent of information necessary for a 'hardship' application.
Read moreTribunal allows set-off of corporation tax loss against income tax profit
In English Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 0346 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed an appeal by a non-UK resident company against a decision of HMRC refusing its claim to offset losses arising in its UK permanent establishment (PE) against profits earned by its UK property rental business.
Read moreErrors of law in MTIC case leads to case being remitted to the First-tier Tribunal
In HMRC V Pacific Computers Ltd [2016] UKUT 350 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has concluded that the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) made errors of law that had been material to the outcome of a taxpayer's appeal in a case involving missing trader intra-community (MTIC) fraud.
Read moreTribunal finds in taxpayer's favour in IBA case
In David Wellstead v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 0492 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that where a developer acquired a lease of land, constructed industrial units on that land and sold one of the units by way of an under-lease, the grant of the under-lease amounted to the sale of a relevant interest for the purposes of section 296, Capital Allowances Act 2001 (CAA 2001), entitling the purchaser to claim industrial buildings allowances (IBAs) on the purchase price.
Read moreTax update, September 2016
In this month's edition we report on (1) HMRC's much anticipated consultation on proposals to tackle disguised remuneration (2) further amendment to the Finance Bill 2016 in relation to EBT settlement relief and (3) HMRC's consultation on proposed penalties for "enablers" of tax avoidance arrangements. We also comment on three recent cases concerning penalties, scheme sanction changes and industrial buildings allowance.
Read moreHarry Potter star loses £1m battle with HMRC
The First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that a taxpayer's new accounts did not meet the requirements of section 217, Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 (ITTOIA), for a change in accounting date, as the accounts did not exist when HMRC were notified of the change.
Read moreVAT update, August 2016
In this month's edition of our VAT update we report on (1) the Law Society's response to HMRC's consultation on VADRA, (2) HMRC's new brief on TOGCs, and (3) HMRC's new policy paper on "Use and Enjoyment" of insurance repair. We also comment on three recent cases concerning Article 9 of the VAT Directive, repayment of VAT by an individual member of a VAT group, and a "hardship" application.
Read moreSIPP scheme administrator avoids 'pension liberation' tax charge
In a recent case the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has found that HMRC was wrong to refuse Sippchoice's application for the discharge of liability to scheme sanction charges in circumstances where it was not aware of a pension liberation scheme being operated in respect of the pension scheme's invested funds.
Read moreTaxpayer succeeds on penalties issue in Pendulum scheme
In a recent case the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has found that a taxpayer was not fraudulent or negligent in the completion of his tax return when relying on the advice of his professional advisors.
Read moreTaxpayer wins appeal against HMRC after receiving contradictory tax demand
In Walkers’ Baggage Transfer Company Ltd v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 0415 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has allowed the taxpayer's appeals and concluded that the appellant had accounted for the PAYE properly due in relation to one of its employees over a three year period.
Read moreTax update, August 2016
In this month's edition we report on (1) HMRC's new guidance on contracting-out for defined benefit pension schemes (2) this years' tax take, (3) a new EU directive aimed at reducing corporate tax avoidance. We also comment on three recent cases concerning the validity of a discovery assessment, the tribunal's hardened approach to compliance with directions, and the validity of a notice of enquiry.
Read moreVAT update, July 2016
In this month’s edition of our VAT update we will report on (1) the EU Council’s variation to the Principal VAT Directive relating to vouchers, (2) HMRC’s update on VAT Notice 708, and (3) a variation in the law on the applicably of VAT to offshore property held by insurers. We also comment on three recent cases concerning the supply of services by a bank, the applicability of VAT to an incomplete transfer of title, and whether VAT is payable on charitable donations.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal as notice of enquiry was invalid
First-tier Tribunal (FTT) determined that HMRC had not given a valid notice of intention to enquire into the taxpayer's return because the purported notice of enquiry referred to tax year ended 6 April 2009, rather than 5 April 2009.
Read moreHigh Court criticises HMRC's conduct finding that it breached taxpayer's legitimate expectation
High Court criticises HMRC's conduct finding that it breached taxpayer's legitimate expectation
Read moreCorporate tax update - Second quarter 2016
On 23 June 2016 the UK voted to leave the EU in an historic referendum result. A period of some political, economic and social uncertainty will undoubtedly follow (and we've already had a turbulent few weeks) but as far as corporate tax is concerned there should be no immediate consequences. It remains to be seen what happens to the planned further reduction in corporation tax to 15% as announced by the then-Chancellor George Osborne. Some initial views on the likely corporate tax consequences of Brexit are set out below. It has also been announced that Royal Assent to this year's Finance Bill is not now expected before the Autumn. In the aftermath of the referendum result, it is perhaps easy to forget that some significant changes to the UK corporate tax regime are planned. Whether all of these changes now proceed, at the pace originally intended, will become clear in due course. In this edition we therefore also highlight some of the key tax developments of interest to UK corporates from the second quarter of 2016.
Read moreFailure to comply with direction leads to strike out of taxpayers' appeals
In the recent case of Grindley & Others v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 0834 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has directed that the taxpayers' appeals be struck out for failure to comply with a direction issued by the FTT.
Read moreTribunal finds HMRC was not entitled to issue a discovery assessment
In Anderson v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 335 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal and held that HMRC was not entitled to issue a discovery assessment pursuant to section 29(1) TMA, as the taxpayer had not been careless.
Read moreTax update, July 2016
In this month's edition of our Tax Update we will report on HMRC's (1) revised corporate interest deductibility rules consultation, (2) new company taxation manual, and (3) off-payroll working and IR35 consultation. We also comment on three recent cases concerning 'trading', the applicability of income tax on employment termination payments, and SDLT planning.
Read moreTribunal dismisses taxpayer's appeal as trade not conducted on a commercial basis
In Gray v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 0379 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that a taxpayer conducting promotional activities for his musician wife was not entitled to set losses from those activities against profits from his legal business.
Read moreVAT update, June 2016
The result of last week's referendum on the UK's membership of the EU is likely to lead to a prolonged period of uncertainty in many areas of taxation
Read moreTribunal confirms that double charge to tax is contrary to taxpayer's human rights
Read moreTax update
The Finance Bill 2016 contains provisions which will introduce a specific penalty linked to the General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR) provisions.
Read moreWould you know what to do if you received a Production Order from HMRC?
Last year HMRC issued over 1,400 production orders. They were issued by HMRC’s Criminal Investigation Directorate, as part of investigations into tax evasion and money laundering.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal following poor customer service by HMRC
In Usher & Perkins, Executors of Terence J Guy (deceased) v HMRC [2016] (TC04849), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), allowed the executors' appeal against a penalty.
Read moreTribunal considers carelessness test and finds discovery assessments to be invalid
In Bubb v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 0216 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeals and concluded that two discovery assessments made by HMRC under section 29, TMA 1970, were not validly made because only part of the tax underpayment resulted from the taxpayer's carelessness.
Read moreTax update - May 2016
In the 2016 Budget, the Chancellor announced proposed legislation to tackle so-called “disguised remuneration”. HMRC has now published an impact note and draft legislation.
Read moreCorporate tax update - First quarter 2016
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s tax team and published quarterly. In this edition we highlight some of the key tax developments of interest to UK corporates from the first quarter of 2016.
Read moreTribunal finds that deferred shares are ordinary shares for the purposes of entrepreneurs' relief
In Alan Castledine v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 145, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) dismissed Mr Castledine's appeal and found that deferred shares qualified as ordinary shares for the purposes of entrepreneurs' relief.
Read moreVAT update - April 2016
On 7 April 2016, the European Commission adopted a Communication on an Action Plan on VAT, which sets out the first steps the Commission intends to take with the aim of creating a single EU VAT area.
Read moreReview letter from HMRC should be read as cancelling discovery assessment
In Easinghall Limited v HMRC [2016] UKUT 105 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has confirmed that where an agreement has been reached with HMRC under section 54, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA 1970), it cannot commence an enquiry or issue a discovery assessment unless they concern an issue which was not the subject of the agreement.
Read moreTribunal rules HMRC's enquiry invalid
In Revell v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 97, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that a purported enquiry by HMRC into an unsolicited tax return was invalid and allowed the taxpayer's appeal.
Read moreBusinesses need to ensure that they do not unwittingly facilitate tax evasion
The Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonesca and the so called 'Panama Papers' have dominated headlines in recent days.
Read moreTax update - April 2016
On 1 February 2016, HMRC took the unusual step of publishing draft regulations through the CIOT (rather than its own) website.
Read moreVAT update March 2016
Next steps following the change to the reduced rate of VAT for energy saving materials
Read moreSupreme Court considers the Ramsay principle in UBS and DBG Services
In UBS AG v HMRC and DB Group Services (UK) Ltd v HMRC [2016] UKSC 13, two cases which were heard together, the Supreme Court found in favour of HMRC by applying the so-called Ramsay principle[1].
Read moreCourt of Appeal confirms that HMRC must comply with rules and directions issued by the tax tribunals
The following is based on an article first published in Tax Journal on 8 March 2016.
Read moreHigh court grants summary judgment against HMRC in FII Group Litigation claims
In the recent case of Evonik Degussa UK Holdings Ltd & Ors v Revenue And Customs [2016] EWHC 86 (Ch), the High Court granted a number of claimants summary judgment in relation to part of their claims in the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation (FII Group Litigation).
Read moreTribunal quashes HMRC's decision to require security from the taxpayer
In Half Penny Accountants Ltd v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 45 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal and quashed HMRC's decision to require security from the taxpayer.
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