HMRC UPDATES DISHONEST TAX AGENT RULES

From 1 April 2013, new legislation has allowed HMRC to:
 

• investigate dishonest conduct by tax agents;
• charge civil penalties of up to £50,000; and
• publish the details of tax agents who have acted dishonestly.

HMRC worked closely with the professional bodies to develop this legislation which contains many safeguards and checks.

However, HMRC has recently updated its guidance following feedback from some of those stakeholders involved with developing the original legislation.

The changes make clear that HMRC can only proceed to ask for documents, charge a penalty and publish details once the conduct notice appeal stage has been exhausted and, if the conduct notice is appealed.

Recent updates are shown in the Update Index.