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V@ update - May 2020
Welcome to the first edition of RPC's V@, an update on developments in the VAT world that may impact your business.
Read moreTax Bites - June 2020
Welcome to the latest edition of RPC's Tax Bites - providing monthly bite-sized updates from the tax world.
Read moreInvestec - Court of Appeal confirms partnership contributions not deductible
In Investec Asset Finance Plc and Another v HMRC [2020] EWCA Civ 579, the Court of Appeal has held that partnership contributions were non-deductible, but has upheld the 'no double taxation' principle and prevented HMRC from introducing arguments not previously relied upon.
Read moreGame Match - Football referees held not to be employed for tax purposes – the final whistle for HMRC?
In Professional Game Match Officials Limited v HMRC [2020] UKUT 147 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) confirmed that certain football referees and other match day officials were not employees of Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) and accordingly it did not have tax and NICs liabilities in respect of the officials in question.
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update May 2020
In this update we report on (1) temporary changes to customs authorisations during the coronavirus outbreak; (2) the government's plans to introduce 10 new freeports; and (3) a new liability for carrying out an operation or dilution on wine. We also comment on three recent cases relating to (1) refusal of permission to appeal an excise duty assessment out of time; (2) the customs classification of mobility scooters; and (3) liability to pay excise duty in relation to the movement of dutiable goods under a suspension regime.
Read moreHenkes – FTT has jurisdiction to determine mixed questions of fact and law on application for closure notice
In Henkes v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 159 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) decided that it has jurisdiction to determine mixed questions of fact and law on an application for a closure notice and appeal against an information notice.
Read moreCorporate tax update - May 2020
Welcome to the latest edition of our corporate tax update, written by members of RPC's tax team. This month's update reports on the key developments from April 2020. April was not a “bumper” month for corporate tax developments but (as you would expect) there have been some Covid-19 related developments of note. This month's report also includes a summary of the Supreme Court's decision in Zipvit (on input VAT recovery). We hope you, your family and friends are all staying safe
Read moreLooney – Termination payments were trading receipts
In Kieran Looney & Anor v HMRC [2020] UKUT 0119 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has dismissed an appeal against the First-tier Tribunal's (FTT) decision that a termination payment and other payments made under a contract entered into by a partnership to provide management training, were trading receipts of a partnership.
Read moreTax Bites - May 2020
Welcome to the first edition of RPC's Tax Bites providing monthly bitesized updates from the tax world.
Read moreCoyle – Upper Tribunal refuses permission to appeal out of time
In Michael Coyle t/a Coyle Transport v HMRC [2020] UKUT 0113 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) set aside the decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) for errors of law, but reached the same conclusion as the FTT and refused the taxpayer permission to appeal out of time.
Read moreVAT update - April 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) the Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 2020 (SI 2020/209), which amends the fund management exemption; (2) HMRC’s guidance on the deferral of VAT payments due to COVID-19; and (3) HMRC’s guidance on how importers can pay no import duty and VAT on medical supplies, equipment and protective garments.
Read moreDavies – Taxpayers unable to benefit from motive exemption in TOAA or qualify for treaty relief
In Andrew Davies & Others v HMRC [2020] UKUT 67 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) held that the taxpayers did not satisfy the ‘motive exemption’ in the transfer of assets abroad (TOAA) legislation and could not benefit from treaty relief.
Read moreZipvit – Supreme Court considers deduction of input VAT on supplies mistakenly treated as VAT exempt
In Zipvit Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKSC 15, the Supreme Court referred questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding the correct interpretation of Article 168 of the Principal VAT Directive, in connection with the question of whether a recipient of postal services may deduct input VAT in relation to those supplies, where both parties and HMRC had mistakenly treated the supplies as exempt from VAT.
Read moreCOVID-19 – Now is not the time for businesses to be complacent
On 31 March 2020, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) issued guidance(1) on how investigators and prosecutors are proposing to tackle the issuing of new criminal proceedings during 'an unprecedented crisis for the Criminal Justice System in the UK.
Read moreHiggs – FTT lacks jurisdiction to disapply the PAYE Regulations
In Philip Higgs and Others v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 117 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) determined that it did not have jurisdiction to determine whether HMRC is entitled to exercise a discretion under section 684(7A), ITEPA, to disapply the PAYE Regulations.
Read moreCOVID-19: Your workforce – furloughing - act to mitigate the risk of exposure to tax evasion offences as scheme could be open to abuse
Jim Harra, Chief Executive at HMRC, has informed a Treasury Committee meeting that he expects the government's multi-billion pound employee furlough scheme to be targeted by criminals seeking to exploit the £60 billion pledged in Chancellor Rishi Sunak's unprecedented Coronavirus protection package.
Read moreCOVID-19 and tax residence
This blog considers the potential risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to maintaining offshore tax structures.
Read moreFisher – TOAA rules not applicable to sale of business from a UK company to a Gibraltar company
In S Fisher and Others v HMRC [2020] UKUT 62 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) allowed the taxpayers' appeals and held that the transfer of assets abroad rules did not apply to the sale of a business from a UK company to a Gibraltar company, which was under the control of the same directors and shareholders.
Read moreTax update - April 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) HMRC’s updated guidance on certain arrangements which purport to avoid the ‘managed services companies’ legislation; (2) recently published draft legislation on voluntary restitution in the context of the loan charge; and (3) the Government’s decision to suspend the extension of IR35 to the private sector.
Read moreBooth – Penalty appeal struck out
In CF Booth Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 35 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) struck out the taxpayer's appeal against penalties imposed for deliberate inaccuracies in its VAT returns, on the basis that the appeal amounted to an 'abuse of process'.
Read moreVAT update - March 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) HMRC’s recently published policy paper in relation to the VAT liability of digital publications; (2) EU Council Regulation (EU) 2020/283 and Council Directive (EU) 2020/284 in relation to combatting VAT fraud; and (3) EU Council Directive (EU) 2020/285 in relation to the special scheme for small enterprises. We also comment on three recent cases which consider (1) whether a specific form is required for the notification of an assessment of VAT; (2) when VAT is collectable as a debt due; and (3) what constitutes a reasonable excuse for incorrectly issuing a zero-rating VAT certificate.
Read moreCredit Suisse: Appeal allowed as HMRC had failed to open a valid enquiry
In Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Ltd and others v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 86 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed a company's appeal against a closure notice on the grounds that HMRC had not issued a valid notice of enquiry.
Read moreMcMillan – Gambling proceeds not taxable income
In McMillan v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 0082 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that proceeds of gambling were not taxable income.
Read moreAria Technology – No specific form required for notification of assessment of VAT
In Aria Technology Ltd v HMRC [2020] EWCA Civ 182, the Court of Appeal confirmed that there is no particular form or formality required of an assessment under section 73(1), Value Added Tax Act 1994 (VATA) and an assessment can be contained in more than one document as long as the minimum requirements are set out in a clear and unambiguous way.
Read moreTax update - March 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) updated guidance provided in HMRC’s SDLT manual in relation to section 75A, Finance Act 2003; (2) a House of Commons briefing paper discussing insolvency and joint and several liability notices for directors; and (3) a Policy Paper concerning upcoming changes to the regulations for the Non-residents Landlord Scheme. We also comment on three recent cases relating to (1) capital gains losses incurred in respect of properties which were never completed; (2) a landfill “fluff” case; and (3) inheritance tax agricultural property and business property relief.
Read moreLinpac – Tribunal confirms that EU group relief claims did not replace earlier domestic claims to relief
In Linpac Group Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2020] UKFTT 60 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed an appeal against an HMRC decision that the taxpayer's claim for group relief had been withdrawn by a subsequent claim.
Read moreVAT update - February 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) publication by the EU of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/21; (2) publication by HMRC of letters to businesses regarding preparations for customs and border arrangements after the Brexit transition period; and (3) the new Value Added Tax (Miscellaneous Amendments, Revocation and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (Appointed Day No. 1) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. We also comment on three recent cases which consider (1) the application of the Halifax principle to what HMRC considered to be VAT avoidance arrangements involving supplies of winter sports training; (2) whether there is a private right of action to enforce the statutory duty to provide a VAT invoice; and (3) whether the general partner of a property fund was entitled to recover VAT incurred on set-up and operating costs.
Read moreMXC Dunlin – Interest due on repayments of tax paid in the 1980s
In MCX Dunlin (UK) Ltd v HMRC [2020] EWHC 11 (Ch), the High Court has held that interest was due on repayments of liabilities to petroleum revenue tax (PRT) dating from the 1980s, which had been met by crediting advance PRT (APRT).
Read moreCorporate failure to prevent tax evasion update – a policy is not enough
It is no secret that the government has a laser focus on making corporates pay for their roles in "facilitating" tax evasion. Recent figures show that HMRC are serious in their drive to hold companies responsible for tax evasion; even companies with seemingly watertight procedures are susceptible. Now is the time to ensure that your regimes are watertight.
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update February 2020
In this update we report on the government’s plans to (1) introduce 10 new freeports; (2) introduce import controls; and (3) its consultation into the UK’s tariff policy following the UK’s departure from the EU. We also comment on three recent cases relating to (1) time limits to issue a post-clearance demand under the Community Customs Code; (2) tariff classification of fluid and blanket warming cabinets used in hospitals; and (3) what constitutes “complicity” in the context of smuggling.
Read moreSnow Factor – Tribunal applies Halifax principle to redefine supplies of winter sports training
In Snow Factor Ltd and Snow Factor Training Ltd v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 0664 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) found that certain VAT arrangements were abusive within the scope of the Halifax principle, and redefined supplies of winter sports training by a non-profit making company as a supply by its profit making parent and therefore as falling outside the education exemption in Item 1, Group 6, Schedule 9, Value Added Tax Act 1994 (VATA).
Read moreCharnley - Tribunal puts HMRC out to pasture in allowing business and agricultural relief
In W Charnley and M Hodgkinson as executors of the estate of Thomas Gill (deceased) v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 0650 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) confirmed that inheritance tax agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) was available in relation to Mr Gill's estate.
Read moreTax update - February 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) HMRC’s Venture Capital Schemes Manual; (2) the review into the off-payroll working rules; and (3) a briefing paper regarding retrospective taxation put before the House of Commons. We also comment on three recent cases relating to (1) the meaning of “structure” for the purposes of capital allowances; (2) an HMRC challenge to carry-back loss relief claims; and (3) principal private residence relief.
Read moreDevon Waste Management – Waste firms win appeal in landfill 'fluff' case
In Devon Waste Management Ltd and Others v HMRC [2020] UKUT 1 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has held that the disposal of certain waste materials did not attract a charge to landfill tax.
Read moreVAT update - January 2020
In this month’s update we report on (1) changes to the rules relating to distance selling; (2) changes to VAT for intra-EU chain transactions and zero rated goods; and (3) HMRC’s guidance on proposed changes to the VAT treatment of call-off stock arrangements. We also comment on three recent cases which consider (1) whether VAT zero rating is available for electronic editions of newspapers; (2) the scope and meaning of “services of consultants”, for the purposes of Article 59(c), Principal VAT Directive; and (3) the deductibility of input tax on fees incurred in implementing a tax scheme.
Read moreLloyd-Webber – capital gains losses allowed over properties which were never completed
In Lloyd-Webber and another v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 717 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that a payment made under a contract for the acquisition of land was for the acquisition of contractual rights, rather than for the land, giving rise to an allowable loss on termination of the contract.
Read moreSSE Generation – UT considers the meaning of structure for the purposes of capital allowances
In HMRC v SSE Generation Ltd [2019] UKUT 332 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) dismissed HMRC's appeal against the decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) that the taxpayer was eligible for capital allowances in relation to certain expenditure it incurred in connection with the construction of the Glendoe Hydro Electric Power Scheme.
Read moreTaylor Pearson – input tax on fees incurred in implementing a tax scheme
In Taylor Pearson (Construction) Limited v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 691 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that input tax on fees incurred in implementing a tax scheme, intended to remunerate directors in a tax efficient manner, was deductible.
Read moreHiggins – for the purposes of PPR relief "period of ownership" starts on completion
In Desmond Higgins v HMRC [2019] EWCA Civ 1869, the Court of Appeal has held that the date of acquisition of an off-plan property for the purposes of principal private residence relief (PPR) was the date of completion and not the date of exchange of contracts.
Read moreJafari – HMRC criticised for breach of its duty to assist the Tribunal
In Jafari v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 692 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) criticised HMRC for failing in its duty to bring relevant authorities to its attention.
Read moreContentious tax quarterly review (Q4 2019)
In this quarterly review we consider: HMRC’s increasing propensity to seek to strike out the taxpayer’s case; recent developments in relation to IR35; the timing of tribunal decisions; and the potential implications of the Inverclyde decision.
Read moreKnibbs – HMRC's challenge to carry-back loss relief claims was correct
In Knibbs and ors v HMRC and R (oao Astley and ors) v HMRC [2019] EWCA Civ 1719, the Court of Appeal has held that Schedule 1B, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA) can apply to a claim for carry-back loss relief.
Read moreTax update - December 2019
In this month’s update we report on (1) two recent decisions concerning insolvent companies and EBTs in the context of insolvency law; (2) proposed legislation on HMRC’s use of automated processes; and (3) the taxation of cryptoasset transactions using exchange tokens. We also comment on three recent cases relating to (1) legitimate expectation; (2) the payment of costs by HMRC due to its unreasonable behaviour; and (3) the meaning of ‘deliberate’ in the Taxes Acts.
Read moreLocke – Court of Appeal quashes follower and accelerated payment notices
In R (on the application of Locke) v HMRC [2019] EWCA Civ 1909, the Court of Appeal quashed follower and accelerated payment notices issued to a participant in a film finance partnership, because HMRC had been wrong in considering that a judicial ruling was relevant to the arrangements under consideration.
Read moreVAT update - November 2019
In this month’s update we report on (1) the revocation of the Cross-border Trade (Public Notices) (EU Exit) Regulations; (2) the new VAT group provisions; and (3) the digitisation of the tribunal service. We also comment on three recent cases which consider (1) who the recipient of a supply is in circumstances where there is more than one potential recipient; (2) single purpose vouchers and the time of supply; and (3) inaccuracy penalties in the absence of any supply.
Read moreCoal Staff Superannuation Scheme – Taxation of manufactured overseas dividends breached EU law
In HMRC v Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Trustees Ltd [2019] EWCA Civ 1610, the Court of Appeal dismissed HMRC's appeal and held that the imposition of withholding tax on manufactured overseas dividends was contrary to EU law.
Read moreArrests made by HMRC fall to five-year low
The number of arrests of taxpayers made by HMRC for suspected tax evasion has fallen to a five-year low of just 782 in the last year*, says RPC, the City-headquartered law firm.
Read moreCorporate tax update November 2019
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s tax team. This month’s update reports on the key developments from September and October 2019. No update would be complete in the current climate without a report on a recent IR35 decision (this month, we bring you two). This month’s update also includes summaries as to HMRC’s latest thinking on the regime for offshore receipts in respect of intangible property, as well as case summaries on the interpretation of the UK-Irish double tax treaty, cross-border loss relief and the effect of statements in HMRC’s published manuals.
Read moreAozora GMAC Investment Ltd – HMRC did not breach a taxpayer's legitimate expectation
In R (oao Aozora GMAC Investment Ltd) v HMRC [2019] EWCA Civ 1643, the Court of Appeal has dismissed the taxpayer's claim that a statement in HMRC’s International Manual created a legitimate expectation, because the taxpayer had not relied on it substantively and, even if it had done, there was insufficient "unfairness" in frustrating the taxpayer's expectation.
Read moreFirst Choice – HMRC ordered to pay taxpayer's costs as a result of its unreasonable behaviour
In First Choice Recruitment Ltd v HMRC [2019] UKFTT 412 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that the taxpayer was entitled to its costs because HMRC had acted unreasonably.
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