The LITRG are disappointed that proposals which are intended to help HMRC better manage their service actually appear to remove basic rights from taxpayers. Failure to inform taxpayers of their current PAYE Code via a written notice means that they (and those helping them) may not have sufficient information to understand and query their tax position. This could lead to incorrect tax deductions. R...
While the LITRG supports HMRC’s existing power to satisfy a debt by taking money from a debtor’s bank account under the supervision of a judge, the current proposals to allow HMRC to bypass the courts in order to collect tax and tax credit debt would be contrary to the rule of law and would inflict disproportionate financial and human cost on vulnerable taxpayers. ...
While the LITRG welcomes any attempt to create an unbiased and transparent system for identifying and guaranteeing appropriate guidance for those about to retire under the proposed new rules for 2015 onwards. However, we are disappointed that the response to the 2014 Budget from the Money Advice Service (MAS) seems to offer no commitment to retirees by way of an 'easy-to-access, free-of-charge bes...
In response to a call for evidence by the labour party, to help form their goals for a digital agenda, the LITRG has submitted a paper detailing the challenges faced in becoming a digital nation for any government and more so for citizens who struggle to engage in this digital world. Our focus is specifically on tax and the department of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for the purpose of this evid...
The LITRG agrees with the Government that the high cost and availability of childcare are two of the biggest challenges that parents can face and therefore welcome the new Tax-Free Childcare system’s attempt to reduce some of these difficulties. We do raise concerns however about the complexity of the scheme rules, how it interacts with other childcare support, the potential confusion for parents ...
LITRG welcome reform of the rules for access to pensions savings, as complicated and often irrational rules have hitherto made it hard for individuals to plan sensibly for their future. We do however question whether the financial provision on offer is sufficient to cover the cost of good, impartial advice for all those approaching retirement in the coming years, and encourage the Government to lo...