Search results
209 results ordered by
Upper Tribunal considers when a dividend becomes 'due and payable' for tax purposes
In HMRC v Gould [2024] UKUT 00285 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal dismissed HMRC's appeal and confirmed that an enforceable debt arises when a company pays an interim dividend to one shareholder but not another of the same class.
Read moreFCA consults on new reporting obligations for (i) incidents and (ii) third party arrangements
On 13 December 2024, the FCA published consultation paper CP24/28 (the CP) on proposals for firms to report on operational incidents and, separately, on material third party arrangements. The CP mirrors similar proposals put forward by the PRA and Bank of England on the same day and is designed to align with current international standards (e.g. the EU Regulation on digital operational resilience (DORA)).
Read moreLoan Charge regime - High Court strikes out taxpayers' Part 8 claims as abuse of process
In allowing HMRC's appeal, the High Court determined that the taxpayers' claims in respect of the Loan Charge should be struck out as an abuse of process.
Read moreUpper Tribunal allows taxpayers' appeals on 'deliberate' behaviour
In the Outram case, the Upper Tribunal overturned the First-tier Tribunal's decision concluding that it had erred in law when deciding that the taxpayers had deliberately filed an inaccurate return without considering the subjective knowledge and intention of the taxpayers concerned.
Read morePrivacy developments – looking back and looking forward
In this article, we give you a high-level snapshot of the key data protection and privacy developments in the UK and EU in 2024 as well as developments we anticipate for 2025.
Read moreWill the UK government's latest measures targeting promoters of tax avoidance and fraud be effective?
In this article, which is based on an article published in Issue 4 2024 of the British Tax Review, Adam Craggs considers whether the UK's latest measures targeting promoters of tax avoidance schemes and tax fraud will be effective.
Read morePreparing for an HMRC dawn raid
How to prepare for a dawn raid by HMRC under the authority of a search warrant issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), enabling them to enter and search premises to investigate suspected tax fraud.
Read moreThe EU's Cyber Resilience Act: 10 on the 10
Today the EU's Cyber Resilience Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/2847) ('CRA') enters into force. The CRA recognises that the continuously evolving world of smart products is frequently challenged by vulnerabilities which can potentially lead to cyber-security incidents. Whilst most of the Act's obligations will not be applicable until three years from now, 10 December is the day when the EU takes a big step towards it's ten-year Cybersecurity Strategy. To mark the occasion, we have outlined ten key points that entities in scope must be aware of in preparation for compliance with the CRA.
Read moreTribunal strikes out HMRC's application for a tax-related information notice penalty against Paul Baxendale-Walker
In Paul Baxendale-Walker v HMRC [2024] UKUT 00154 (TC), the Upper Tribunal granted an application by the taxpayer, under Rule 8(3)(c) of the Upper Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008, to strike out HMRC's application seeking a tax-related information notice penalty pursuant to paragraph 50 of Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008.
Read moreCourt of Appeal considers HMRC's CIS powers and allows taxpayers' appeals
In Beech Developments (Manchester) Ltd & Ors v Commissioners for His Majesty's Revenue and Customs [2024] EWCA Civ 486, the Court of Appeal allowed the taxpayers' appeals, finding that HMRC does have power to issue a direction under Regulation 9(4) of the Construction Industry Scheme Regulations, where the same amount has been subject to a regulation 13 determination.
Read moreTribunal finds insufficiency in taxpayer's return was not brought about "deliberately"
In allowing the taxpayer's appeal, the First-tier Tribunal determined that an insufficiency in his return was not brought about deliberately.
Read moreIs an insurer responsible for 'the same damage' as its insured?
Same Damage and Third Party Rights: unpacking Riedweg v HCC and the 2010 Act
Read moreDigital operational resilience: the UK regulatory landscape
Operational Resilience in the supply chain has become an undeniable priority for all financial service providers across the continent.
Read moreContentious Tax Quarterly Review: November 2024
Adam Craggs and Harry Smith of RPC provide a Contentious Tax Quarterly Update discussing recent developments in tax litigation.
Read moreSIPP providers – What's next?
Last week the FCA issued a Dear CEO letter to SIPP operators. The letter is one of many the FCA has sent as follow-ups on the consumer duty (including the most recent letters to lifetime mortgage providers) and is a must read for those in the SIPP sector. The letter highlights the FCA's focus areas of ensuring redress is paid (where the FCA does not consider sufficient progress has been made), "outlier firms" when it comes to holdings in non-standard assets, and implementation of the consumer duty, particularly around distribution strategies/identifying target markets.
Read moreFailure to prevent fraud: key guidance released
On 6 November 2024, the Home Office released its much-anticipated guidance on the new failure to prevent fraud offence and the procedures that organisations can implement to prevent associated persons from committing fraud offences. Running to 44 pages, this guidance is crucial as it provides a framework for large organisations to establish effective fraud prevention measures.
Read moreTribunal finds that mixed-use SDLT rates should be reined in for purchase of property and paddock
The Upper Tribunal dismissed HMRC's appeal and confirmed that mixed stamp duty land tax (SDLT) rates applied to the purchase of a property and adjoining paddock where a grazing lease for the latter was granted shortly after completion.
Read moreThe new Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Bill: where are we with legislation governing lithium-ion battery safety?
The new Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Bill underwent its first reading on 6 September 2024. We explain the aims of the bill and consider how it fits with the proposed Product Safety and Metrology Bill.
Read moreAutumn Budget 2024: summary of implications for businesses and individuals
Adam Craggs explores the key implications of the Autumn Budget 2024 for businesses and individuals.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal against information notice
In Sangha v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00564 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed, in part, Mr Sangha's appeal against HMRC's information notice issued under paragraph 1, Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008 as the information was not 'reasonably required' or in his 'possession or power'.
Read moreClientEarth challenges claims made by BlackRock in its sustainable funds
Not only are regulators clamping down on greenwashing but, as previously highlighted, ClientEarth, a non-profit international environmental law organisation, also has this issue squarely in its sights.
Read moreGovernment consults on regulation of Buy-Now Pay-Later products
In 2021, HM Treasury announced its intention to regulate certain unregulated buy-now pay-later (BNPL) products in the UK. This followed recommendations made in the Woolard Review which raised concerns about the increased use of BNPL products during the pandemic and the significant risk that these unregulated credit products could cause consumer harm.
Read moreFCA consults on changes to the payments safeguarding regime
Under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (PSRs) and the E-Money Regulations 2011 (EMRs) payment institutions (PIs), electronic money institutions (EMIs), small EMIs and credit unions are required to protect "relevant funds" which they receive when making a payment or in exchange for e-money that has been issued. Current safeguarding requirements are set out in the PSRs and EMRs, with guidance contained in the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Approach Document.
Read moreHMRC's DOTAS application struck out
In HMRC v Elite Management Consultancy Ltd (in administration) and Adam Bale [2024] UKFTT 00567 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) confirmed that HMRC's DOTAS application was automatically struck out when it failed to serve an authorities bundle on time in breach of an 'unless' order issued by the FTT.
Read moreTribunal confirms that trading had commenced for the purposes of Entrepreneur's Relief
In allowing the taxpayer's appeal, the First-tier Tribunal determined that an LLP had commenced trading for the purposes of Entrepreneur's Relief.
Read moreTribunal confirms principal private residence relief available where development began before sale of land
In the recent Nunn case, the First-tier Tax Tribunal allowed the taxpayer's claim for principal private residence relief, where development on land began before its sale.
Read moreEffective case management before the Tax Tribunal
Adam Craggs and Daniel Williams consider the various stages involved in a tax appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber).
Read moreGrowth vs. client care: SRA’s warning on mergers and the risk to public trust
We consider the key takeaways from the SRA's warning notice to firms growing by merger, which urges firms to keep client interests central to their decision-making processes.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal and confirms that non-residential SDLT rates applied
In Anne-Marie Hurst v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00540 (TC), the First-tier Tax Tribunal allowed the taxpayer's appeal against HMRC's closure notice, in which HMRC concluded that the residential rate of SDLT was due on the purchase of a property because the sellers had used it as a 'hotel, inn or similar establishment' (HISE).
Read moreFirst conviction under section 2 CJA 1987 overturned – RPC Analysis
On 16 September 2024, the first conviction for failure to comply with a notice to provide documents or information required by the Serious Fraud Office ("SFO") was overturned by Judge Nicholas Rimmer at Southwark Crown Court. Although this case was highly fact specific, it may result in a less enthusiastic approach towards pursuing such convictions in the future.
Read moreHMRC's offshore information gathering powers
This blog considers HMRC's information gathering powers and, in particular, their application to High Net Worth individuals.
Read moreTribunal awards costs against HMRC due to its unreasonable conduct
In Witton v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 489 (TC) (TCC), the First-tier Tribunal allowed HMRC's applications to amend its list of documents and to admit further evidence, and refused to disbar them from proceedings, but nonetheless awarded the taxpayer his costs due to HMRC's unreasonable behaviour.
Read moreUncertainty around the mandatory reimbursement cap for APP frauds – a new headache for FI firms and their insurers?
New regulations coming on 7 October 2024 will force payment firms to reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud up to a set limit. On 4 September 2024, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) announced a consultation proposing to set this limit at £85,000, vastly reduced from the previously proposed £415,000 cap. This is a potential headache for insurers as the level of the cap will impact assessment of risk and apportionment of liability between sending and receiving payment firms – and the industry will only have 7 days to prepare.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's post-cessation trade relief claim as enquiry was out of time
In the recent Dennison case, the FTT allowed the taxpayer's post-cessation trade relief claim as HMRC's enquiry was opened out of time.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal in part in case concerning deliberate and/or careless errors
In Shaun Harte v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00493 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal reduced HMRC's assessments to income tax, penalties and VAT. It also considered HMRC's application of the 'presumption of continuity' in relation to deliberate and/or careless errors.
Read moreContentious Tax August 2024
Contentious Tax Quarterly Review - Adam Craggs and Harry Smith examine developments in relation to open justice, access to pleadings and the taxation of carried interest.
Read moreUpper Tribunal confirms that anti-abuse provision in UK/Ireland double tax treaty did not apply
In HMRC v Burlington Loan Management DAC [2024] UKUT 152 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal held that the anti-abuse rule in the UK/Ireland double tax treaty did not apply to deny the withholding exemption, when a Cayman Islands company assigned the benefit of a debt to an Irish company.
Read moreFurther welcome news from the FCA – this time on co-manufacturing
Following on from our earlier blog, our review of the FCA's 'Discussion Paper' (DP24/1) continues, this time considering the rules relating to co-manufacturers of insurance products.
Read moreUpper Tribunal confirms it’s the end of the road for HMRC's "fishing expedition"
In the recent Hitchins case, the Upper Tribunal confirmed that it was the end of the road for HMRC's "fishing expedition" and ordered it to close its enquiries.
Read morePotential deregulation and a pragmatic approach to commercial insurance – welcome news from the FCA
The FCA has published a 'Discussion Paper' (DP24/1) seeking feedback on its rules on commercial insurance including in respect of the types of commercial customers in-scope, co-manufacturing of products and bespoke insurance products.
Read moreClosure notices and the appeals process
In this article we consider the process by which a taxpayer can bring a protracted HMRC enquiry to and end and appeal against a closure notice issued by HMRC.
Read moreSRA consults the legal sector on proposed changes to their fining framework
The SRA is conducting a consultation from the 28 June to 20 September 2024 on their proposed changes to the SRA Fining Guidance. The regulator is seeking feedback in response to the new unlimited fining powers granted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA 2023).
Read moreHNWs: Understanding HMRC's Offshore Information Gathering Capabilities
Wealthy individuals have long been the focus of a substantial part of HMRC’s compliance activities, but a difficult economic climate together with a looming general election and possible change of government is likely to lead to even greater scrutiny of HNWs by HMRC in the short term.
Read moreTribunal confirms no tax due on disposal of property held on trust for taxpayer's brother
In Raveendran v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 273 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal allowed the taxpayer's appeal against HMRC's discovery assessment in relation to the disposal of a property because it was held on trust for his brother.
Read moreTribunal confirms loans from remuneration trust were disguised remuneration
In allowing HMRC's appeal in part, the Upper Tribunal determined that payments received under a remuneration trust scheme were caught by the anti-avoidance provisions in Part 7A of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003.
Read moreThe Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive expert briefing
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) was adopted on 24 May 2024 and was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 5 July. This means the law will enter into force 20 days later on 26 July, and will apply to companies from 2027.
Read moreAI in auditing: Embracing a new age for the profession
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rather new concept for many (ignoring those versed in 80’s Sci-Fi movies); it’s something many don’t know much about and certainly don’t use in our day-to-day lives (or at least appreciate we are using). However, that’s not the case for everyone. Auditors have long been reaping the benefits of AI, but are auditors just scratching the surface of what AI can offer and what impact will an increased use have on their insurance requirements and claims they face?
Read moreWhat does a new Labour government mean for the management liability market?
We have a new government and the first Labour government for 14 years. What does it mean for the management liability market? We look at what Labour has promised and with that the areas those in the market will want to consider across directors and officers, employment liability and pensions.
Read moreDealing with HMRC information notices
Considering three common types of HMRC information notices and the extent to which they can be challenged.
Read moreStay connected and subscribe to our latest insights and views
Subscribe Here