On a day when we have rightly seen people pay their respects to those who have lost their lives, or are affected by COVID-19, we have seen HM Treasury and HMRC launch a command paper alongside various calls for evidence, and consultations with a view to modernising the tax system.
It is no surprise that this includes reference to tax non-compliance, as given the state of Government debt, it is clear that HMRC will undertake more investigation work, and focus on advisers promoting aggressive and unacceptable tax planning.
Budget 2021 set out the steps which the government is taking to assist the UK’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to support people and businesses, lives and livelihoods. But HM Treasury and HMRC continue to lay the foundations for the longer term. Accordingly, this command paper and its accompanying documents are designed to enhance the stability and effectiveness of the UK tax system, by outlining a future pathway for its tax administration and tax policy development.
