by Mike Lewis | May 23, 2025
Previously we found that HMRC is hardly using powers to investigate, penalise and publicise tax advisers who enable tax abuse. Here we look at why these powers aren’t being used: a barrage of legal roadblocks; and holding back on naming and shaming. *** When tax...
by Mike Lewis | May 14, 2025
The government wants to step up the fight against enablers of tax abuse (again). New powers and better information can help. But HMRC is barely using some of the powers and penalties it already has. *** Laws that aren’t enforced are simply polite recommendations....
by Simon Watkins | Mar 6, 2025
Executive Summary The UK tax advice market operates with minimal regulation, creating significant risks for both taxpayers and HMRC. Anyone can establish themselves as a tax adviser regardless of qualifications or competence, as illustrated by the R&D tax relief...
by Simon Watkins | Mar 6, 2025
A comprehensive report on the UK tax advice market has revealed alarming gaps in regulation that leave both taxpayers and public finances vulnerable to significant harm. The report, published by TaxWatch, includes testimony from victims of mis-selling of financial...
by Simon Watkins | Nov 14, 2024
The Government has summarised responses received to a consultation on raising standards in the tax advice market undertaken by the previous Government. Autumn Statement set out new measures and further consultation. These measures completely ignore the findings from...
by Claire Aston | Mar 14, 2024
TaxWatch notes with interest the launch of a Government consultation to strengthen regulations in the tax advice sector, with an alarming 25% of tax liabilities being non-compliant for businesses within self-assessment. Given the 30-month hiatus since the outcome of...