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Tribunal confirms discovery assessment was invalid as enquiry window was still open
Tribunal allows taxpayer's appeal confirming that a discovery assessment raised under section 29 Taxes Management Act 1970, was invalid as the enquiry window was still open.
Read moreAgent was careless notwithstanding white space disclosure
White space disclosure on tax returns not a defence against claim of carelessness, as FTT upholds discovery assessments.
Read moreHMRC fails to discharge burden of proof in appeal against personal liability notices
Taxpayer win in case where MTIC fraud alleged in relation to zero-rating of supplies for VAT.
Read moreTribunal finds taxpayer was non-UK resident despite exceeding the permitted days due to 'exceptional circumstances'
The First-tier Tribunal held that a taxpayer was non-UK resident, despite exceeding the permitted days, due to exceptional circumstances which included the moral obligation to come to the UK to care for a relative and their young children.
Read moreFollower notice penalties cancelled as failure to take 'corrective action' was reasonable in all the circumstances
Allowing an appeal by Mr Andreae, the First-tier Tribunal cancelled penalties HMRC had issued for failure to take corrective action following receipt of follower notices. It was held that this failure was reasonable in all the circumstances where Mr Andreae had relied on the advice of a scheme promotor and later sought further advice from an independent advisor.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal as investments met the risk to capital test required for Enterprise Investment Scheme relief
Allowing an appeal by Inferno Films Ltd, the First-tier Tribunal held that the company had satisfied the risk-to-capital test in section 157A, Income Tax Act 2007, because it had objectives to grow and develop its trade in the long term. HMRC was directed to authorise the issue of compliance certificates under section 204, Income Tax Act 2007, for the purposes of Enterprise Investment Scheme relief.
Read moreTax Tribunal cancels discovery assessments and late filing penalties
In Robert Don Hunter Dougan v HMRC [2022] UKFTT 00140 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) cancelled certain discovery assessments issued to a taxpayer by HMRC, on the basis they were issued out of time because the taxpayer's behaviour was careless rather than deliberate, for the purposes of section 36, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA). The FTT also cancelled various late filing penalties and late payment surcharges issued by HMRC, on the basis the notices were not validly served on the taxpayer.
Read morePermission from the Upper Tribunal needed to argue a new point which was not before the First-tier Tribunal
UT permission required to argue a point not argued before the FTT.
Read moreAppeal against discovery assessment allowed as SATR was filed by unauthorised agent
Allowing an appeal by Mr McCumiskey, the First-tier Tribunal held that HMRC's discovery assessment was invalid on the basis that the purported tax-return had been fraudulently filed and had included an unauthorised and unsubstantiated claim for SEIS relief.
Read moreDirectors did not breach fiduciary duty in relation to insolvent company's participation in failed tax avoidance scheme
In Stephen John Hunt (Liquidator of Marylebone Warwick Balfour Management Ltd) v Richard Balfour-Lynn and others [2022] EWHC 784 (Ch), the High Court decided that the directors of a company which went into liquidation after participating in a failed tax avoidance scheme did not breach their fiduciary duties and payments made pursuant to the scheme were not transactions defrauding creditors.
Read moreCentre of vital interests tiebreaker test saves taxpayer over £10 million
High net worth individual on right side of centre of vital interests tiebreaker test.
Read moreHMRC's civil and criminal powers
HMRC has been provided with extensive and wide-ranging powers, which have increased exponentially in recent years. This article considers HMRC’s main investigatory and assessment powers, by reference to its general enquiries, as well as specific/aspect enquiries, including criminal investigations.
Read moreAccounting rules prevail following HMRC loss in the Supreme Court
Dismissing an appeal by HMRC, the Supreme Court in HMRC v NCL Investments Ltd and another [2022] UKSC 9, held that deductions for corporation tax purposes are allowable for grants of employee share options.
Read moreTax Tribunal confirms documents sought by HMRC were legally privileged
In Colin Wiseman v HMRC [2022] UKFTT 00075 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) confirmed that certain documents which were requested by HMRC under paragraph 1, Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008, were subject to legal professional privilege (LPP) and should not be disclosed.
Read moreChanges made to top slicing relief held not to apply retrospectively
Changes introduced by Finance Act 2020 to top slicing relief are not retrospective in effect.
Read moreTribunal erred in law by refusing HMRC's application to strike out taxpayer's appeal
The Upper Tribunal has held that the First-tier Tribunal erred in law by striking out HMRC's application to strike out a taxpayer's appeal of a decision by HMRC to deny Input VAT on the basis of no reasonable prospect of success.
Read moreTaxpayer successfully appeals information notices as information requested not reasonably required
Allowing an appeal against HMRC's information notices, the First-tier Tribunal in Yerou and another v HMRC [2022] UKFTT 79 (TC), found that the information was not reasonably required.
Read moreTax Tribunal dismisses third party application for disclosure of documents
In Cider of Sweden Ltd v HMRC and another [2022] UKFTT 00076 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) dismissed an application by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) for disclosure of documents which related to appeal proceedings before the FTT between Cider of Sweden Ltd (CSL) and HMRC.
Read moreTribunal confirms TV presenter not subject to IR35 rules
IR35 does not apply where a significant number of factors make it clear that a presenter "was in business on his own account".
Read moreTribunal confirms that certain studies and project management costs relating to offshore windfarms qualify in part for capital allowances
The First-tier Tribunal has confirmed that certain studies and project management costs relating to offshore windfarms qualify in part for capital allowances.
Read moreNo tax due on transfer of business to connected company
The First-tier Tribunal in Conran and another v HMRC [2022] UKFTT 39 (TC), concluded that the transfer of a business between connected parties resulted in no capital gains tax liability for the seller, having reduced the stated £8.25m valuation of the business to £1 for tax purposes.
Read moreMatchmaking services were subject to special place of supply rule for B2C consultancy services
In Gray & Farrar International LLP v HMRC [2021] UKUT 293 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) decided that matchmaking services supplied to clients outside the EU fell within Article 59(c) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC (the Principal Directive) and were therefore outside the scope of VAT.
Read morePayments to employees were "relevant motoring expenditure" and should be disregarded for the purposes of NICs
In Willmott Dixon Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2022] UKFTT 6 (TC) the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), held that payments to employees were "relevant motoring expenditure" (RME) and could be disregarded for the purposes of Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
Read moreHMRC misses penalty
HMRC penalty for EBT use successfully appealed as no deliberate or careless conduct leading to inaccuracy in tax return
Read moreNo power for HMRC to issue partial closure notice without assessment of tax due
The Court of Appeal has confirmed that HMRC cannot issue a partial closure notice without assessment of tax due.
Read moreExpenses incurred in defending partners against criminal charges were incurred "wholly and exclusively" for the business and were deductible
In TR, SP and SR Rogers v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 0458 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) decided that expenses incurred defending two of the partners of a partnership against criminal charges were incurred wholly and exclusively for the business of the partnership and the expenses were therefore deductible.
Read moreTribunal reduces scope of Schedule 36 Information Notices
HMRC bears the burden of proof that the information requested to check a taxpayer's tax position, as set out in Schedule 36 information notices, is reasonably required and that records requested are statutory records.
Read moreEntrepreneurs' relief applied to disposal of business premises
Entrepreneurs' relief (now Business Asset Disposal Relief) applies to disposal of premises as part of long-term sale of business
Read moreQuinn – Taxpayer entitled to claim enhanced research and development relief
In Quinn (London) Ltd v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 0437 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal against HMRC's decision to refuse its claims for enhanced research and development relief (enhanced R&D relief), on the basis that the claimed expenditure was “subsidised” within the meaning of section 1138(1)(c), Corporation Tax Act 2009 (CTA 2009).
Read moreMinstrell Recruitment – HMRC not required to disclose the names of its officers involved in a Gross Payment Status revocation decision
In Minstrell Recruitment Ltd v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 0344 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that HMRC need not disclose the names of the HMRC officers involved in making a gross payment status (GPS) revocation decision where that decision had been successfully appealed, for the purpose of determining whether HMRC had acted unreasonably in the conduct of that appeal.
Read moreJTC - Escrow agreement set aside on basis of mistake
Rescission granted of pension arrangements with tax impact due to incorrect advice for temporary UK non-resident moving to UAE.
Read moreKishore – Court of Appeal rejects HMRC's strike out application
In HMRC v Dhalomal Kishore [2021] EWCA Civ 1565, the Court of Appeal rejected HMRC's application to strike out the taxpayer's grounds of appeal against penalties for inaccuracies in VAT returns, as the application was an abuse of process.
Read moreQuarterly Contentious Tax Review – Winter 2021
HMRC has extensive powers to require information and documentation from taxpayers. These powers were bolstered in the last Finance Act to include financial institution notices. Failure to comply with information notices can attract penalties. The most severe penalties are those imposed by the Upper Tribunal (UT). We examine, below, HMRC's increasing use of these powers, together with HMRC's penchant for 'nudge' letters and recent developments in the application of the transfer of assets abroad (TOAA) provisions.
Read moreThe Medical Defence Union – insurance premium rebates not taxable receipts
Insurance premium rebate does not count as a taxable receipt, but instead is merely a (non-taxable) refund to the mutual fund for the benefit of its members.
Read moreGB Fleet Hire - Upper Tribunal allows appeal against First-tier Tribunal strike out decision
In a rare move, the Upper Tribunal overturned the decision of the First-tier Tribunal to strike out an appeal on the grounds that the tribunal's decision was irrational.
Read moreVitol Aviation – Tribunal directs HMRC to issue closure notices where diverted profits tax review periods are ongoing
In Vitol Aviation UK Ltd and others v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 0353 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) granted the Applicants' application for closure notices in respect of corporation tax enquiries, notwithstanding that the review periods for diverted profits tax (DPT) notices were ongoing in respect of the same accounting periods.
Read moreCrippin – ancillary dwelling qualified for principal private residence relief
Ancillary property qualifies for principle private residence relief despite being informally rented to friends.
Read moreShinelock Ltd – payment not deductible as a loan relationship debit
In Shinelock Ltd v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 320 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) decided that a payment made by a company to its former shareholder was not deductible as a loan relationship debit and accordingly there was no non-trading loan relationship deficit (NTLRD) to offset the chargeable gain realised on the disposal of a property.
Read moreFashion on the Block – taxpayer successful with substance over form argument
Erroneous EIS form submitted, SEIS1 required in its place; HMRC alerted to the mistake and told to allow rectification.
Read moreGC Field & Sons Ltd – SDLT discovery assessments held to be invalid
Discovery underlying discovery assessment for SDLT planning valid despite change of underlying reasoning, but taxpayer not negligent so appeal upheld.
Read moreHMRC targets enablers of tax evasion
HMRC and the OECD are looking to tackle the rise of the professional enabler of tax evasion, but what is an enabler? And what does that mean for professionals?
Read moreVermilion Holdings – Court of Session confirms that the grant of a share option by an employer was not an employment related securities option
In Vermilion Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2021] CSIH 45, the Court of Session overturned the decision of the Upper Tribunal (UT) and confirmed that an option granted by a company as part of a refinancing exercise was not an employment related securities option, for the purposes of section 471, Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (ITEPA).
Read moreQuarterly Contentious Tax Review
The Tax Law Review Committee (TLRC) has published an in-depth review of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), how it operates and why. In some respects, it is not working as well as it could for certain users. The review makes a number of positive recommendations, which we discuss below, together with two important developments concerning (1) the requirement for HMRC to initiate a formal enquiry and (2) HMRC's strategy on settling disputes relating to the use of historic tax avoidance arrangements.
Read moreProfessional Game Match Officials - Court of Appeal sends football referees case back to the Tax Tribunal
In HMRC v Professional Game Match Officials Limited [2021] EWCA Civ 1370, the Court of Appeal (CoA) held that the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) and Upper Tribunal (UT) both erred in law in their approaches to the question of 'mutuality of obligation' and upheld the UT's decision that the FTT had erred in its approach to the issue of control. The case has been sent back to the FTT to reconsider whether there was sufficient mutuality of obligation and control in the individual contracts for them to be contracts of employment.
Read moreDNAe Group Holdings – Higher R&D relief claims available
In DNAe Group Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2021] TC/201804348, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that 125% research and development (R&D) tax credits for an SME was available, despite the company being the strategic investment vehicle of a larger group.
Read moreKSM Henryk Zeman - Tribunal can consider 'legitimate expectation' arguments in VAT appeal
Taxpayer can bring legitimate expectation/judicial review arguments in appeal against HMRC decision on VAT in First-tier Tribunal – a new step in tax litigation.
Read moreTinkler – Supreme Court decides taxpayer is estopped from denying validity of HMRC enquiry
In Tinkler v HMRC [2021] UKSC 39, the Supreme Court held that, due to the conduct of the taxpayer's advisers, the taxpayer was estopped by convention from denying that HMRC had opened a valid enquiry under section 9A, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA), when it had sent the notice of enquiry to the wrong address.
Read moreJRO Griffiths – storage facility is plant for capital allowances purposes
In JRO Griffiths Ltd v HMRC [2021] UKFTT 257 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that a facility used to store potatoes was a plant, and that it met other conditions allowing it to qualify for capital allowances.
Read moreEclipse film partnerships settlement opportunity announced by HMRC
HMRC announced on 6 September 2021 a settlement opportunity for current and former members of the Eclipse Film Partners (numbers 1 to 40) limited liability partnerships (the Eclipse LLPs), under which HMRC will agree not to seek to impose a 'dry tax' charge in exchange for members settling historic tax liabilities (with interest) and abandoning litigation against HMRC in relation to the Eclipse LLPs. If accepted by each taxpayer, approximately £1.6 billion of 'dry tax' will not be pursued by HMRC.
Read moreHaworth - Supreme Court upholds decision to quash follower notice
Follower Notice judicial review upheld by Supreme Court even in tax avoidance context; restrictive requirements imposed for issue of follower notices.
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