News

Read more about TaxWatch’s work, including reports, analysis and comment pieces.

Research & Development tax reliefs – never getting any easier

The government’s Autumn Statement 2023 continues to increase the complexity and administrative burden of the UK R&D regime.

TaxWatch responds to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 2023

Amongst the theatrical showmanship that characterises UK fiscal events TaxWatch pulls out a few of the more interesting announcements made in today’s Autumn Statement.

Investment allowances: Greasing the oil industry’s machine?

The extremely high level of tax relief available to the UK’s oil and gas companies compared to all other businesses has the potential to distort private sector investment, TaxWatch believes.

TaxWatch welcomes proposals to tackle promoters of tax avoidance

Two proposals in the draft Finance Bill 2023-24 aimed at tackling promoters of tax avoidance have been welcomed by TaxWatch.

TaxWatch releases latest report on the State of Tax Administration

Our latest annual report explores the UK Government’s administration and enforcement of the tax system.

Seven large tech groups estimated to have dodged £2bn in UK tax in 2021

New TaxWatch analysis shows how they appear to use complex tax driven structures to reduce their UK corporation tax.

TaxWatch’s view on Labour’s proposed Covid corruption commissioner

While it’s great news Labour is focusing on tackling fraud, real success depends on fully-funded public services to take appropriate action in those cases.

Holiday let tax rules allow owners to escape thousands of pounds in tax

The tax treatment of furnished holiday properties appears inappropriately generous and could encourage houses to be locked away to save thousands of pounds in taxes.

‘Our tax system is too complicated’ concludes Treasury Committee report on tax reliefs

The Treasury Select Committee has published a report into tax reliefs which calls for regular reviews and the removal of some.

Around £1bn per year lost to fraud and error in R&D tax relief claims

HMRC’s initial data into R&D tax relief claims shows significant underestimates in previous calculations of fraud and error in the schemes.

HMRC’s 2023 Tax Gap report: Proportion of tax going unpaid unchanged from previous year

The amount of tax lost in the 2021-22 financial year was 4.8% of the total tax owed, the same figure as the previous year.