ICAS urges the UK Government to improve tax administration in ten key areas

ICAS highlights the urgent need for the UK Government to prioritise improving tax administration, as a dysfunctional tax system continues to fail taxpayers and tax agents.

EDINBURGH, Scotland, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new report ? Tomorrow's Tax Administration ? ICAS highlights its top ten priorities for government action to address problems impeding the smooth running of the tax system.

Charlotte Barbour, ICAS Director of Taxation, said:

"Good tax administration is essential, even though it may not feature at the top of many political wish lists. It has a role to play in fulfilling the UK Government's ambition for an open, business-friendly economy post-Brexit. If society as a whole does not trust the tax system because it does not function properly, voluntary compliance is undermined and the consequences for government revenues are serious.

"The government needs tax administration to work effectively to deliver the money it needs to pay for COVID recovery and fund ambitious initiatives around tackling climate change and levelling-up."

The report highlights the complexity of the tax system and HMRC's inability to provide adequate service levels.

There are immediate priorities requiring urgent action, including increased resources for HMRC and funding to tackle patchy digital systems which cause everyday problems for taxpayers and agents.

Susan Cattell, ICAS Head of Tax Technical Policy, added:

"Pushing ahead with major, complex projects, like Making Tax Digital, whilst failing to ensure that basic tax administration works properly for everyone who has to engage with it, is unacceptable and will not deliver what the government or taxpayers need."

ICAS calls for specific actions to address each of its ten priorities.

Download Tomorrow's Tax Administration

For commentary on the report, visit the ICAS website.

NOTES FOR EDITORS
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About ICAS
ICAS is a professional body for more than 22,000 world class businesspeople who work in the UK and in more than 100 countries around the world. Members have all achieved the internationally recognised and respected CA qualification (Chartered Accountant). ICAS is an educator, examiner, regulator and thought leader. Almost two thirds of ICAS' working membership are in business; many leading some of the UK's and the world's great companies. The others work in accountancy practices ranging from the Big Four to the small local practitioner.