2009 news

PBR - Chancellor tries to protect the low-paid

Published on 9 December 2009

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Despite the economic woes of the country, in his Pre Budget Report the Chancellor today tried his best not to add to the burdens of those on low incomes. The good news was thin on the ground and the range of new help for people in trouble, although welcome, adds to complexity.

Putting the Frontline First; but the vulnerable second?

Published on 8 December 2009

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Yesterday the Government set about reducing the debt burden by announcing proposals for better and smarter public services. This has to be welcomed; but at what cost to the most vulnerable consumers of public services?

Government urged to use plain language

Published on 1 December 2009

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A new report from the Public Administration Select Committee calls for all facets of government to say what they mean in a way you can understand. LITRG is not blameless in this respect, but it matters so much more when HMRC get it wrong.

Help with tax credit overpayments

Published on 30 November 2009

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A new guide written for the man or woman in the street aimed at enabling them to challenge tax credit overpayments is published today. LITRG has written the guide to help claimants through the complexities of fighting a tax credits overpayment decision and to enable them to decide how to fight and how to find extra help.

Backdating of claims - another tax credits scandal?

Published on 29 November 2009

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One of the most welcome features of the tax credit system is the facility to backdate entitlement by up to three months before the claim has been received by HMRC. However, many claimants may be missing out because of a failure by HMRC to operate the rules correctly.

Telephoning HMRC? Keep a careful note

Published on 29 November 2009

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When ringing HMRC, it is essential to keep a careful note of the date and time of the call, to whom you spoke, and what was said. Otherwise you may be at a disadvantage if you have to prove that you called HMRC in a later dispute.

Death and taxes – what Government could do better

Published on 25 November 2009

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The lives of bereaved people could be made a great deal easier if the different government agencies involved when someone dies were to share information and join up the services they offer, a new report from LITRG concludes. The Government has promised a solution but has yet to deliver in practice.

Confess, before it is too late

Published on 22 November 2009

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In an appearance on You Tube the Permanent Secretary for Tax gives a stark warning to those who may be hiding something overseas. But unhelpfully, HMRC and their website make it very difficult to find any information on overseas issues intelligible to the ordinary taxpayer.

How equality conscious is HMRC?

Published on 18 November 2009

news

HMRC have been consulting on how they assess and monitor their compliance with the laws on equality and diversity. LITRG recommends that HMRC should do more to monitor their compliance and make it more relevant to customers and front-line staff.

Tax relief on childcare vouchers to go - a blessing or a curse?

Published on 13 November 2009

news

Childcare vouchers have become front page news this week following the Government’s announcement that they plan to abolish tax relief on them. Tax relief on childcare vouchers may help high earners, but families on low to middle incomes are generally better off claiming tax credits. Yet there is precious little information to help people make the right choice.

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