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Balhousie - sale and leaseback does not constitute disposal of 'entire interest' in property
In Balhousie Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2021] UKSC 11, the Supreme Court allowed the taxpayer’s appeal, holding that a sale and leaseback was not a disposal of the taxpayer’s ‘entire interest’ in a care home and accordingly HMRC was not entitled to claw back the benefit of the VAT zero-rating that had applied when the taxpayer acquired the home.
Read moreBennedy's Developments – Tribunal allows taxpayer's appeal against daily penalties for late filing of ATED return
In Bennedy's Developments Ltd v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 21 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has allowed the taxpayer's appeal against daily penalties for late filing of an Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) return, issued under paragraph 4 of Schedule 55 to the Finance Act 2009 (FA 2009), but dismissed its appeal against a late filing penalty in respect of the same return, issued under paragraph 5 of Schedule 55.
Read moreOutram – Tribunal prevents HMRC from relying on new argument
In Outram and another v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 29 (TC) the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) prevented HMRC from relying on a new argument contained in its skeleton argument which had not been included in its statement of case.
Read moreEastern Power Networks – Court of Appeal confirms that HMRC does not need to close its enquiries
In Eastern Power Networks plc and others v HMRC [2021] EWCA Civ 283, the Court of Appeal (CofA) has upheld the Upper Tribunal's (UT) decision that it was not appropriate to direct HMRC to issue closure notices.
Read moreBall Europe - Accounting entry not included in tax return sufficient to preclude discovery assessment
In Ball Europe Ltd v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 23 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that the presence of amounts in a taxpayer's accounts but not its tax return was sufficient for a 'hypothetical officer' of HMRC reasonably to be expected to be aware of a tax insufficiency and this prevented HMRC from issuing a valid discovery assessment
Read moreThe long arm of HMRC
Adam Craggs and Alice Kemp outline the powers HMRC has at its disposal when conducting a criminal rather than civil investigation.
Read moreQuentin Skinner – shares sold by trusts not eligible for entrepreneurs' relief
In HMRC v The Quentin Skinner 2005 Settlement L and others [2021] UKUT 29 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has held that, for the purposes of entrepreneurs' relief (ER) (now business asset disposal relief), section 169J(4), Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 (TCGA) requires a beneficiary to have been a qualifying beneficiary throughout a period of one year ending no earlier than three years before the date of disposal of settlement business assets by the trustees.
Read moreAtholl House Productions: BBC Presenter wins IR35 case
In HMRC v Atholl House Productions Ltd [2021] UKUT 0037 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) held that IR35 did not apply to a presenter who provided services to the BBC through a personal service company.
Read moreDitton – HMRC cannot issue daily late filing penalties retrospectively
In Ditton v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 489 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (the FTT) held that daily late filing penalties, where notice was given by HMRC to the taxpayer after the period in respect of which the penalties were issued, were void; confirming that late filing penalties cannot be issued to taxpayers retrospectively.
Read moreHelpful guidance on the role of statements of case and Lists of Issues for Disclosure in applications to vary an order for Extended Disclosure under the Disclosure Pilot Scheme
The High Court in HMRC v IGE USA Investments Ltd and Ors [2020] EWHC 1716 (Ch) confirms jurisdiction to order specific disclosure under the Disclosure Pilot Scheme is not confined to issues identifiable from statements of case and where there is no agreed or approved List of Issues for Disclosure.
Read moreSSE Generation – Taxpayer's capital allowances victory marred by procedural issue
In HMRC v SSE Generation Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 105, the Court of Appeal (CA) upheld the Upper Tribunal's (UT) decision that expenditure on parts of a hydroelectric power scheme was eligible for capital allowances, save for one element in respect of which the taxpayer had failed to seek permission to appeal part of the First-tier Tribunal's (FTT) decision.
Read moreBradford – Tribunal refuses HMRC's application for further and better particulars
In Darren Bradford v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 2 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) refused HMRC's application for the Appellant to provide further and better particulars of his grounds of appeal and directed HMRC to provide its Statement of Case.
Read moreEmbiricos: HMRC cannot issue a partial closure notice without specifying the amount of tax due
In HMRC v Embiricos [2020] UKUT 370 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT),in allowing HMRC's appeal, has held that HMRC cannot issue a partial closure notice without specifying how much tax is due.
Read moreWarshaw – Cumulative preference shares constituted ordinary share capital and qualified for entrepreneurs' relief
In HMRC v Stephen Warshaw [2020] UKUT 366 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has upheld the First-tier Tribunal's (FTT) decision that cumulative preference shares with rights to compound accrued but unpaid dividends constituted "ordinary share capital" for the purposes of section 989, Income Tax Act 2007 (ITA) and therefore qualified for entrepreneurs' relief (ER).
Read moreRialas: UT dismisses HMRC's appeal in transfer of assets abroad case
Taxpayer succeeds in defending HMRC appeal against transfer of assets abroad / TOAA regime application; anti-avoidance measures did not apply, held the Upper Tribunal.
Read moreDevelopment Securities – Court of Appeal considers company tax residence
In HMRC v Development Securities PLC and Others [2020] EWCA Civ 1705, the Court of Appeal (CoA) has allowed HMRC's appeal against a decision of the Upper Tribunal (UT) and confirmed that certain Jersey based companies were resident in the UK, rather than in Jersey.
Read moreProject Blue (No 2): HMRC must refund overpaid SDLT
In Project Blue Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 475 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that the taxpayer was entitled to repayment of SDLT, as part of the consideration for the property in question was contingent, within the meaning of section 51, Finance Act 2003 (FA 2003) and was never paid.
Read moreLondon Clubs Management - non-negotiable chips and promotional vouchers not part of casino's "banker's profits" for the purpose of calculating gaming duty
In HMRC v London Clubs Management Ltd [2020] UKSC 49, the Supreme Court held that where casinos provide gamblers with non-negotiable chips and/or promotional vouchers (Non-negs) which could be used for gaming but not encashed or exchanged for goods or services, they do not form part of the casino's "banker's profits" for the purpose of calculating its liability to gaming duty.
Read moreEurochoice: Company and its director held jointly and severally liable for HMRC's costs
In Eurochoice Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 449 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that a company and its director are jointly and severally liable for HMRC's costs in circumstances where only the company was party to the appeal proceedings.
Read moreTotal – Court of Appeal considers meaning of "just and reasonable" apportionment of profits
In Total E&P North Sea UK Ltd and Another v HMRC [2020] EWCA Civ 1419, the Court of Appeal (CoA) allowed the appellant companies' appeal and decided that the basis of the companies' apportionment of adjusted ring-fence profits was just and reasonable, for the purposes of an election under section 7(5), Finance Act 2011 (FA 2011).
Read moreMcCabe: HMRC not required to disclose documents relating to discussions with the Belgian tax authority
In Kevin McCabe v HMRC [2020] UKUT 266 (TC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has held that the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) had been correct not to order HMRC to disclose documents relating to discussions it had with the Belgian tax authority, as the documents had no probative value and the tax authorities had raised confidentiality issues.
Read moreRT Rate: Legitimate expectation rights not engaged
In RT Rate Ltd and Others v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 392 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that it does not have jurisdiction to consider claims for repayment of VAT based on the EU law principle of legitimate expectation.
Read moreAMW Estates – Part of HMRC's pleaded case struck out as it had no realistic prospect of success
In AMW Estates Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 410 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) struck out part of HMRC's amended Statement of Case (SoC) alleging that a taxpayer had actual or constructive knowledge of its supplier's fraud as it had no realistic prospect of success.
Read moreOsborne: Tribunal takes a dive into allowable expenditure
In Robert John Osborne v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 373 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that expenditure on fitness training was allowed because it was wholly and exclusively incurred for the purpose of the taxpayer's occupation as a saturation diver.
Read moreCheshire Centre – HMRC ordered to pay taxpayer's costs due to its unreasonable behaviour
In HMRC v Cheshire Centre for Independent Living [2020] UKUT 275 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) ordered HMRC to pay the taxpayer's costs even though HMRC had been successful as it had acted unreasonably in introducing a new ground of appeal.
Read moreHMRC issues nudge letters targeting residence and domicile
In an extension of its 'nudge' letters campaign, HMRC is writing to wealthy taxpayers encouraging them to bring their tax affairs into line.
Read moreBelloul – Ignorance of the law was a 'reasonable excuse'
In Bachir Mohamed Belloul v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 312, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that a taxpayer's ignorance of the law was a 'reasonable excuse' for failing to notify HMRC of his liability to pay High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
Read moreJurisdiction and the Rule of Law
In R (oao Boulting & Anor) v HMRC [2020] EWHC 2207 (Admin), the High Court refused permission to bring a judicial review claim against HMRC, on the basis that the taxpayer had an 'alternative remedy'.
Read moreWired Orthodontics – Tribunal expresses concern about potential inappropriate interference by HMRC's solicitor with the evidence of an independent expert witness
In Wired Orthodontics Ltd and others v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 290 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) refused an application for disclosure of documents and information passing between the solicitors for HMRC and their appointed expert witness.
Read moreBox – child benefit charge interpreted as 'income' for the purpose of discovery assessments
In Martin Richard Box v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 353 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) dismissed a taxpayer's appeal concerning liability to pay the high-income child benefit (HICB) charge, on the basis that the charge constituted income for the purpose of discovery assessments.
Read moreIrish Bank – HMRC entitled to disallow interest deductions claimed by UK permanent establishments
In Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Ltd (in special liquidation) and another v HMRC [2020] EWCA Civ 1128, the Court of Appeal upheld the decisions of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) and the Upper Tribunal (UT) and confirmed that HMRC was entitled to disallow interest deductions claimed by the UK permanent establishments (PEs) of two Irish companies.
Read moreRBS – HMRC's application for specific disclosure refused
In Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 321 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) refused an application by HMRC for a direction requiring the taxpayer to provide specific disclosure.
Read moreContentious tax: quarterly review - September 2020
The increased flow of information and data to HMRC under the common reporting standard (CRS) has prompted a flurry of so-called ‘nudge’ letters to be issued by HMRC to taxpayers whose offshore affairs it considers may not be in order.
Read moreHMRC to gain further information gathering powers
Draft legislation, published as part of Finance Bill 2020/21, will, if enacted, grant HMRC the power to issue 'Financial Institution Notices', requiring certain financial institutions to disclose information they hold about certain taxpayer(s) and their assets, without the safeguards which are currently in place.
Read moreFurlough, Act Now to Avoid the Knock
As we leave behind the curious summer of 2020, both HMRC and the SFO are readying themselves for the new term. First order of business: combatting corporate misuse of furlough and Covid-19 bail-out funds. According to official statistics released on 18 September, furloughing of staff in the wholesale and retail sector peaked on 24 April at 1.85 million employees - by 31 July, initial figures show 789,000 retail jobs furloughed– a decrease of more than a half since the peak for the sector. Some furloughed employees in the wholesale and retail sector have been returning to work as lockdown restrictions eased, others have, sadly, faced redundancy. As the furlough scheme winds down to a close next month, some employers may be faced with HMRC insisting that their furlough claims amounted to a misuse of – or even fraud against - the scheme.
Read moreAhmed - HMRC cannot 'refresh' penalty time limit by reissuing information notices
In Salim Ahmed v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 337 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer’s appeal against a penalty for failing to comply with an information notice because the penalty notice was not issued within 12 months of the taxpayer becoming liable to a penalty and HMRC could not refresh the time period by issuing a subsequent information notice which merely repeated earlier information notices.
Read moreKickabout Productions - HMRC wins IR35 re-match
In Kickabout Productions Ltd [2020] UKUT 216 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has allowed HMRC's appeal and confirmed that the relationship between a radio station and one of its sports presenters fell within the IR35 regime.
Read moreJones – Taxpayer's appeal allowed as FTT failed to consider vital evidence
In Heather Jones v HMRC [2020] UKUT 229 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) allowed an appeal against a decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) upholding a discovery assessment issued in respect of income tax on a severance payment.
Read moreHMRC's new powers to investigate furlough abuse
The Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was announced on 20 March 2020, with the aim of safeguarding UK jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. The CJRS has undoubtably assisted in protecting jobs but it was, by necessity introduced quickly, with little and complex guidance, which has made it, in the words of HMRC's Chief Executive Jim Harra, a "magnet for fraudsters".
Read moreHackett – Tribunal considers whether HMRC's decision to proceed by way of civil penalty rather than criminal prosecution was an abuse of process
In Lindsay Hackett v HMRC [2020] UKUT 212 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has confirmed that the decision whether to bring civil or criminal proceedings is a matter for HMRC to decide with any such decision being amenable to challenge by way of judicial review.
Read moreArcher: No reasonable excuse
In William Archer v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 0288 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) confirmed that surcharge notices had been validly issued and that the taxpayer did not have a 'reasonable excuse' for non-payment as a result of his related judicial review claim.
Read moreMichael Vaughan - High Court declines to rectify contract to prevent tax charge
In (1) MV Promotions Ltd (2) Michael Vaughan v (1) Telegraph Media Group Ltd (2) HMRC [2020] EWHC 1357 (Ch), the High Court elected not to exercise its discretion to rectify a provision in a contract for services, despite a mutual mistake rendering one party liable for additional tax.
Read moreRoyal Bank of Canada – Canadian bank liable to pay UK tax on assigned oil royalties
In Royal Bank of Canada v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 267 (TC) the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that a Canadian bank was subject to UK tax on royalties assigned to it following its oil company creditor entering receivership.
Read moreThe summer of discontent?
What comes to mind when you hear the word "summer"? The unbridled joy of no more school for 6 whole weeks? Buckets, spades and wind-swept beaches? Perhaps the call of a sun-soaked tropical island? For most, summer means taking some time out to recharge and switch off.
Read moreJJ Management – Court of Appeal confirms HMRC can conduct informal enquiries
In JJ Management Consulting LLP v HMRC [2020] EWCA Civ 784, the Court of Appeal confirmed that it is within HMRC's powers to assess tax following informal enquiries without the need for HMRC to give notice under section 9A, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA).
Read moreSheiling - Belief in procedural invalidity of APN can constitute reasonable excuse
In Sheiling Properties Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKUT 175 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT), in dismissing an appeal against penalties for non-payment of accelerated payment notices (APNs), confirmed that a reasonable belief that the APNs were invalid could constitute a reasonable excuse for non-payment.
Read morePickles - Credit available for drawing from directors' loan accounts not taxable as distributions
In Pickles v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 00195 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that excessive consideration for goodwill left outstanding on directors' loan accounts was not taxable under section 1020, Corporation Tax Act 2010 (CTA), as distributions.
Read moreAmpleaward - purchaser using UK VAT number not liable for UK acquisition VAT where goods housed in overseas warehousing regime
In Ampleaward Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKUT 0170 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has found in favour of the taxpayer and confirmed that HMRC was not entitled to claim UK acquisition VAT on the purchase of alcohol from a supplier situated in a second EU state, which was then delivered to a tax warehouse in a third EU state.
Read moreHMRC powers to tackle furlough fraudsters – take action now!
At the time of writing, over 25% of the UK workforce is being supported by the Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (the furlough scheme) at a cost of around £20 billion. In addition to this, some 2.6 million people are enrolled on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (the SEISS) at an additional cost of £7.5 billion.
Read moreBella Figura – Unauthorised payment charge set aside
In HMRC v Bella Figura [2020] UKUT, the Upper Tribunal (UT) held that a scheme sanction charge stood as a valid assessment and partially allowed the taxpayer's cross-appeal, setting aside HMRC's assessments of an unauthorised payments charge and surcharge as being out of time.
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