Tax Take
English Holdings - UT allows set-off of corporation tax loss against general income
In English Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 0346 (TC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) upheld a decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) which allowed an appeal by a non-UK resident company against a decision of HMRC refusing its claim to offset losses arising in its UK permanent establishment (PE) against profits earned by its UK property rental business.
Read moreTax update - February 2018
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s recently published guidance relating to penalties for enablers of defeated abusive tax arrangements; the publication by the EU of a list of non-cooperative jurisdictions in tax matters; and the outcome of HMRC’s consultation on reporting obligations for offshore structures.
Read moreBeneficial House – Tribunal orders HMRC to issue closure notices in tax avoidance case
Beneficial House; Stanley Dock; Chancery (UK) LLP, Valhalla Private Client Services LLP; Business Premises Renovation Allowance; BPRA; Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Scheme rules; DOTAS; Tax on restoration of hotel; HMRC closure notices; closure notices; Tribunal orders HMRC to issue closure notices; application for a closure notice; section 28 TMA..
Read moreVAT Update - January 2018
In this month’s update we report on the VAT treatment of pension fund management services for insurers; the establishment of the EU cross-border prosecution service; and guidance published by HMRC following the Supreme Court’s decision in Littlewoods.
Read moreCooke: Tribunal allows taxpayer's discovery assessment appeal
In Cooke v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 844 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has allowed an appeal against a discovery assessment issued by HMRC pursuant to section 29, Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA). The FTT found that the 'hypothetical officer' could have been reasonably expected to be aware that certain claims in the taxpayer's return were excessive.
Read moreUpper Tribunal refuses permission for judicial review of HMRC's policy on prior misapplication of law
In The Queen (on the application of R Clarke and others) v HMRC [2017] UKUT 379, the Upper Tribunal (UT) refused an application for permission to judicially review HMRC's decision not to compensate the taxpayer beyond the scope of its published policy contained in Business Brief 28/04.
Read morePenalties for non-payment of APN can be avoided where it is reasonable to consider an APN unlawful
In Chapman v HMRC, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has confirmed that a reasonable belief that an accelerated payment notice (APN) is unlawful can constitute a reasonable excuse for non-payment.
Read moreSpurs 2 : 0 HMRC – payment on early termination of fixed term contract not taxable as earnings
In Tottenham Hotspur Ltd v HMRC [2017] UKUT 453 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) has confirmed the decision of the First-tier Tribunal that payments made by an employer in respect of two football players on early termination of their fixed term contracts were not earnings. They were termination payments and, therefore, were outside the scope of national insurance contributions (NICs).
Read moreUnited Biscuits: High Court rejects claims for refunds of overpaid VAT
In United Biscuits (Pension Trustees) Ltd and another v HMRC [2017] EWHC 2895 (Ch), the High Court held that pension fund management services by non-insurers are standard rated and dismissed the claimant's claim to recover VAT on investment management services for pensions.
Read moreBarclays Wealth Trustees - normal meaning to apply to 'settlement' for IHT purposes
In Barclays Wealth Trustees (Jersey) Ltd and Michael Dreelan v HMRC [2017] EWCA Civ 1512, the Court of Appeal has confirmed that inheritance tax will not apply in circumstances where a transfer between excluded property settlements takes place after a settlor becomes domiciled in the UK.
Read moreTax update December 2017
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s increased activity in respect of the so-called Panama Papers; HMRC’s new guidance in relation to “enablers” of defeated tax avoidance schemes; new settlement terms concerning disguised remuneration; and HMRC’s updated Litigation and Settlement Strategy
Read moreJiminez: High Court quashes information notices issued to non-UK resident taxpayer
In Jimenez v (1) HMRC & (2) The First Tier Tax Tribunal [2017] EWHC 2585 (Admin), the High Court has quashed an information notice given by HMRC to a non-UK resident taxpayer.
Read moreVAT update November 2017
In this month’s update we report on the Office of Tax Simplification’s first report on VAT, the draft regulations concerning the fulfilment house due diligence scheme, and HMRC’s revised guidance on input tax deduction for funded occupational pension schemes.
Read moreBekoe: Tribunal cancels discovery assessments and penalties issued to taxpayer
In Edwin Bekoe v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 772, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held that the taxpayer was not liable to assessments and penalties where he had demonstrated that deposits paid into his brother's bank account were loans and not undeclared taxable trading income and HMRC's reliance on the "assumption of continuity" principle had been misplaced.
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update, November 2017
In this update we report on the Government’s White Paper setting out its approach to the UK’s future customs, VAT and excise regimes; the Trade Bill 2017-2019; and the implementation of the Fulfillment House Due Diligence Scheme.
Read moreBenham – Upper Tribunal dismisses HMRC's appeal regarding the correct treatment of a purported amendment of a return relating to a failed rollover claim
In Benham (Specialist Cars) Limited v HMRC [2017] UKFT 389 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) dismissed HMRC's appeal upholding the decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) that section 153A(4), Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 (TCGA), does not provide a freestanding right for HMRC to make or amend an assessment in order to bring a rolled-over gain back into charge following the lapse of a declaration of intention to claim roll-over relief made under section 153A(1), TCGA.
Read moreWealth and trusts quarterly digest November 2017
Welcome to our latest Wealth and trusts digest. Our quarterly digest provides up to date commentary and analysis on key sector developments. It is written by members of our wealth and trusts team to assist you and your clients in responding to market trends and legal developments. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss any issues you may have and always welcome feedback on the content of our publications.
Read moreThe Barty Party – HMRC's information notice was invalid
In The Barty Party Company Limited v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 697, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal against an information notice which HMRC had issued pursuant to Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008, on the basis that the information notice was invalid.
Read moreNCL Investments - Tribunal allows deductions against trading profits in EBT case
In NCL Investments Limited and another v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 495, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that accounting debits relating to the grant of share options to employees were a deductible expense for corporation tax purposes.
Read moreTax update, November 2017
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s revised guidance relating to venture capital schemes, the coming into force of section 166, Finance Act 2016 (offences relating to offshore income) and HMRC’s new guidance on self-reporting for failure to prevent the facilitation of tax avoidance.
Read moreCorporate tax update, third quarter 2017
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s Tax Team and published quarterly.
Read moreVAT update, October 2017
In this month’s update we report on the processing of personal data to combat tax fraud, the new proposals for taxing intra-EU supplies and the change in VAT treatment of pension fund management services supplied by regulated insurers.
Read moreSUSSEX CARS - Tribunal orders HMRC to pay taxpayer's costs of appeal
In Sussex Cars Association v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 0691 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has exercised its discretion, under Rule 10(1)(b) of the Tribunal Rules, to make an order for costs against HMRC on the basis that it had "acted unreasonably in bringing, defending or conducting the proceedings".
Read moreMcGreevy – Tribunal describes HMRC's argument as "clap trap" in late filing case
In R McGreevy v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 0690 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed a non-resident taxpayer's appeal against a penalty for the late filing of her non-resident CGT (NRCGT) return on the basis that she had a reasonable excuse.
Read moreGill - Tribunal rejects HMRC's interim applications
In Gill v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 0597 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) dismissed three interim applications made by HMRC for (1) permission to adduce expert evidence; (2) a direction excluding a large amount of documentation adduced by the taxpayer; and (3) a direction that the taxpayer disclose data in an alternative format to that provided by the taxpayer.
Read moreChadwick – Discovery assessment on wrong person cannot be remedied by section 114 TMA
In Chadwick (as trustee in bankruptcy of Mrs Gloria Oduneye-Braniffe) v The National Crime Agency [2017] UKFTT 656 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has held than an assessment issued to a trustee in bankruptcy was a gross error that could not be cured by section 114 of the Taxes Management Act 1970 (TMA).
Read moreTax update, October 2017
In this update we report on HMRC’s recently published guidance concerning the new offences of failing to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion; HMRC’s new powers to refuse to register or de-register master trust pension schemes; and new guidance on investors’ relief in the CGT context.
Read moreBailey: Quality trumps quantity as Tribunal grants taxpayer principle private residence relief
In Stephen Bailey v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 658 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) granted the taxpayer principle private residence relief, under section 222, Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 (TCGA), despite having only occupied the property in question for two periods of less than six months.
Read moreVAT update September 2017
In this month’s update we report on the Commission’s evaluation of invoicing rules; revisions to VAT notice 700/50, concerning default surcharge; and details of the consultation on the Making Tax Digital reforms.
Read moreGekko – HMRC's unreasonable conduct leads to costs award against it
In Gekko & Company Ltd [2017] UKFTT 586 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), in allowing an appeal against assessments to VAT and penalties, awarded the taxpayer its costs as HMRC's conduct had been unreasonable.
Read moreThathiah: HMRC unsuccessful in first senior accounting officer penalty appeal
In Kreeson Thathiah v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 0601 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed an appeal against penalties which had been assessed on the finance director of a group of companies under the Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) regime, contained in Schedule 46, Finance Act 2009 (FA 2009), as HMRC had failed to establish that he had breached his duty as a SAO.
Read moreSettlement considerations following the Rangers decision
Following the Supreme Court’s recent judgment in the Rangers case, many employers who had established employee benefit trusts (EBTs) are facing enforcement notices in respect of income tax and National Insurance contributions.
Read moreHickey Plant Hire - Taxpayer successfully challenges HMRC's narrow reading of penalty rules
In M J Hickey Plant Hire and Contracts Ltd v HMRC [2017] UKUT 308 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal and in a carefully considered judgment sets out the correct approach to the penalty rules applicable to 'normal' and 'delayed tax' cases, contained in Schedule 24, Finance Act 2007 (FA 2007).
Read moreTax update, September 2017
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s new guidance on asset-based penalties for offshore inaccuracies; the GAAR Advisory Panel’s first published opinion on tax planning involving gold bullion and Spotlight 39 on measures designed to avoid the 2019 EBT loan charge.
Read moreCorporate tax update, second quarter 2017
Welcome to the latest edition of our Corporate Tax Update, written by members of RPC’s tax team and published quarterly.
Read moreVigne - HMRC lose business property relief case
In The Estate of Maureen W Vigne (deceased) v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 632 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has determined that the estate of the late Maureen Vigne was entitled to business property relief (BPR), as provided for in section 105, Inheritance Tax Act 1984 (IHTA).
Read moreVAT update August 2017
In this month’s update we report on updated guidance from HMRC on distance selling, the EU (Withdrawal Bill) and the revised place of supply rules for B2C telecommunications.
Read moreBPP – Tribunal correct to strike out HMRC's case for failure to comply with Rules and Directions
In BPP Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2017] UKSC 55, the Supreme Court has confirmed that the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) was justified in directing that HMRC be barred from taking further part in the proceedings for failure to adhere to the Tribunal’s Rules and Directions.
Read moreCustoms and excise quarterly update, August 2017
In this update we report on the implementation of the Fulfillment House Due Diligence Scheme, the National Audit Office's report on the new Customs Declaration Service and the future excise duty rate changes to cooking wine and other cooking alcohol.
Read moreWealth and trusts quarterly digest, August 2017
Our quarterly digest provides up to date commentary and analysis on key sector developments.
Read moreEastern Power – Tribunal orders HMRC to close its enquiries despite outstanding information notices
In Eastern Power Networks Plc and others v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 494 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) ordered HMRC to issue closure notices even though there were a number of outstanding information notices.
Read moreGray – FTT allows appeal against discovery assessment as ITV correctly accounted for PAYE
In Gray v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 0275, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal against a discovery assessment in relation to a termination payment as there was no additional tax to assess in the relevant year and in any event the assessment was out of time.
Read moreRangers: Supreme Court confirms remuneration paid through EBT is subject to income tax
In RFC 2012 Plc (in liquidation) (formerly The Rangers Football Club Plc) v Advocate General for Scotland [2017] UKSC 45, the Supreme Court has held that remuneration payments made into an employees' remuneration trust were earnings for income tax and NICs purposes.
Read moreTax update, August 2017
In this update we report on the Government’s intention to use the Finance Bill (No. 2) 2017 to retrospectively implement the policies dropped from the first Finance Act 2017; amendments to the new disguised remuneration provisions in the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003; and the implementation of the guidance requirement under the Criminal Finances Act 2017
Read moreDerry – HMRC prevented from collecting tax in avoidance case
In R (ota of James Derry) v HMRC [2017] EWCA Civ 435, the Court of Appeal, in allowing the taxpayer's appeal, confirmed that HMRC is not able to ignore a claim for carried back loss relief where the taxpayer has self-assessed and computed his liability to tax.
Read moreVAT update, July 2017
In this month’s update we report on HMRC’s recent guidance on its approach to supply splitting; the Supreme Court hearing in the Littlewoods compound interest case; and the revised timetable for “Making Tax Digital”.
Read moreNew corporate criminal offence
Failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion
Read moreOval Estates - Tribunal confirms deficiencies in invoices may not prevent VAT recovery
In Oval Estates (Bath) Limited v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 403 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) held that input tax was attributable to an identifiable supply and was recoverable despite allegations of deliberate and concealed behaviour.
Read moreMärtin: Application directing HMRC to close its enquiry into tax avoidance scheme granted
In Jörg Märtin v HMRC [2017] UKFTT 488 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) directed HMRC to close its enquiry as it had taken no action in three years.
Read moreAnstock - Tribunal quashes penalties imposed for failure to comply with information notice
Penalties for failure to comply with an information notice issued by HMRC can only be imposed if the information notice in question is unambiguous, clear and precise.
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