HMRC tests small business tax mediation service
Tax update 10/01/2012
Inspectors from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) could
be trained as mediators to try to resolve issues between colleagues
and small business owners who feel they have been subjected to
unfair tax demands.
A trail is underway for small businesses in the North West and
North Wales, that will allow them to speak with a mediator - a
"trained" HMRC official - who will undertake a 30-day impartial
assessment of the businesses' claims.
The assistant director of HMRC, Jim Stevenson, said that they
are under growing pressure to demonstrate the transparency of how
small businesses are taxed, particularly with the imminent
introduction of plans to fine owners up to £3,000 for failing to
maintain accurate trading records.
Stevenson explained, "Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will
help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) resolve disputes
without having to go to a tribunal - saving them both time and
money."
The mediation stage has been welcomed by many tax experts, who
have said it is necessary to be able to give disputes a chance for
resolution during the initial "compliance check" procedure rather
than later on in the proceedings, when formal appeals against a
decision have been lodged.
An HMRC spokesman said the first stage of the trial, which took
place last year, saw 149 companies invited to try using a mediator,
with 128 of them accepting a mediated agreement. The spokesman
added that any companies looking to take part should call 01492
523747 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
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