CIOT says HMRC should not have more criminal Powers

In its response to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) “Modernising Criminal Investigation Powers” consultation document, The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) says that HMRC should not have been entrusted with a review of their own powers and the exercise of criminal powers should be left to the Police. Stephen Coleclough, CIOT Technical Committee Chairman, says: “The need to bring the Police in where serious criminal issues arise in relation to the administration of tax would send important signals to the tax paying community. Firstly, it would emphasise the seriousness of the matter. Secondly, it would provide protection for both taxpayers and tax administrators by bringing in an independent body.”

The CIOT paper states that the proposed increase in HMRC powers would alter the relationship between the taxpayer and the tax administrator. It is important that HMRC retain their role as a tax collector and administrator of civil law as opposed to tax law becoming part of the criminal justice system.

Stephen Coleclough adds: “Tax crime is not more serious than other crime just because it is tax. All crime harms society. It is wrong to leave innocent people without protection because HMRC believe that the general interest overrides the needs of what they expect to be a few innocent parties drawn into these regulatory powers.”

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For press information contact Simon Goldie on 020 7245 4122 (direct line - 24 hours). Email sgoldie@ciot.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Read the consultation document
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Simon Goldie