HM REVENUE AND
CUSTOMS News Release (Ref:NAT 41/07) issued by The Government News
Network on 25 June 2007
Options for
improved payment methods for taxpayers and modernised debt
management operations are contained in a consultation document
published today by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The consultation paper forms part of HMRC's work to
modernise its powers, deterrents and the accompanying safeguards.
It invites comments on a range of ideas to make it easier for
taxpayers to pay on time and improve the way HMRC deals with those
who do not.
The consultation document seeks views on how HMRC might address
the following in relation to managing payment and debt:
* A more taxpayer focused approach - focusing less on debts
arising from individual taxes and more on the taxpayer's
whole interaction with HMRC;
* Making it easier to pay - providing a range of payment methods,
making it easier for taxpayers to pay their tax at the right time; and
* Tackling the problem of debt - having made it easier to pay,
and supported those who genuinely find it hard to pay, HMRC needs
the right tools to tackle those who choose to pay late.
Overall, the options aim to align and modernise rules across
HMRC's tax responsibilities, where doing so would provide
greater clarity, consistency, efficiency and reduced costs for
taxpayers and HMRC.
All the options would require legislative change, if they were
adopted, and would therefore be subject to full Parliamentary
scrutiny and debate.
The deadline for submitting comments is 17 September 2007.
Notes for editors
1. 'Payments, Repayments and Debt: The developing programme
of work' is available on the HM Revenue & Customs website
at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/consultations/index.htm
(click the 'Current consultations' option).
2. Contributions may be made by e-mail to:
powers.review-of-hmrc@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or by post to: HMRC and
Payment, Room 1C/03, 1st Floor, 100 Parliament Street, London SW1A
2BQ or by fax to: 020 7147 2460.
3. Currently, HMRC relies on provisions inherited from its
predecessor Departments - the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and
Excise - which evolved over a considerable period of time, and
involve substantial differences between different areas and taxes.
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
Website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk