HMRC Widens the APN Net, (APNs)

The number of tax avoidance schemes used by individuals who may fall in receipt of an Accelerated Payment Notice (APN) has recently been increased.

It is believed at HMRC now holds a list of 1,181 tax avoidance schemes which will widen the net on individuals who may potentially receive an APN from HMRC.

The controversial Accelerated Payment Notice scheme was introduced in 2014 as a demand of the upfront payment of unpaid tax within 90 days, prior to the commencement of a formal hearing process at Tax Tribunal.

HMRC has sought to use the power effectively by directly targeting the users of tax avoidance schemes. Despite a number of recent legal challenges against HMRC, it is believed that through the issue of approximately 60,000 Accelerated Payment Notices, HMRC has recovered £3bn in unpaid tax.

We would urge any individual who has invested in tax avoidance schemes that they seek to clarify their tax position, as once an Accelerated Payment Notice has been received, the amount of unpaid tax HMRC believes to be outstanding will need to be paid in full within 90 days.

To discuss your tax liabilities in complete confidence with a member of our tax investigations and disclosures team call us on 0113 387 5670 or fill out an Enquiry Form and we will contact you directly.

In other news relating to HMRC, it has been revealed that it has begun adopting behavioural psychology tactics as used by tax authorities in the US.

HMRC has confirmed that is has been using hand written Post-It notes enclosed within letters as a means of encouraging users of tax avoidance schemes to pay up.

If you believe you may have underpaid tax, you can discuss your position in complete confidence with a member of our team. Call us on 0113 387 5670 or contact us through our website.