“HMRC has improved its processing of income tax returns but there are still substantial numbers of taxpayers who are affected by processing errors. Vulnerable groups such as pensioners are likely to be disproportionately affected. The recommendations in my report will help the Department build on the work already underway to improve the processing of tax returns.”
“Tax can be a complicated matter so it is important to make it as easy as possible for taxpayers to understand and comply with their tax obligations. My report shows how forms and guidance can be made more accessible and the importance of grasping opportunities to simplify the complex rules and procedures.”
“Newly registered businesses are a diverse group, ranging from those setting up in business for the first time to those with previous business experience, so increasing tax compliance among this group requires a flexible approach which targets the differing needs of businesses. Pursuing the recommendations highlighted in this study will help HM Revenue and Customs in further improving the ability of new businesses to deal with their tax affairs.
Introducing a unique tax identifier would require substantial resources but could also result in substantial benefits, enabling HMRC to view the entire tax affairs of individual businesses and achieve a better understanding of the needs of different groups of taxpayers.”
“It remains a concern that the long-standing and significantly higher VED evasion rates amongst motorcyclists may threaten the public’s confidence in the DVLA’s even-handedness of treatment and enforcement of this tax.
“There is potentially a credibility issue if repeat non-payers of VED sense that nothing further will happen to them, and the DVLA is hopeful that the use of debt collection agencies will address this perception. I am pleased that the DVLA has also agreed to consider the NAO’s suggestion of a trial of further reminders targeted at longer term non-payers.
On tax credits
“The first full results of the new tax credit scheme since its introduction in April 2003 show that the level of claimant error and fraud was unacceptably high. I have therefore once again qualified my audit opinion on the Trust Statement. HMRC must now use this baseline figure to continue to target future reductions in error and fraud. HMRC closed the tax credits e-portal because of a serious attack by organised criminals submitting false claims using stolen identities. It must ensure that the new system fully complies with established government standards on security.”
On income tax (Pay As You Earn)
“HMRC has identified a number of problems with the way PAYE is working, especially for more complex cases, which have led to employees paying too much or too little tax. HMRC should closely monitor the effect of its planned improvements in ensuring that taxpayers pay the right amount of tax.”
On VAT missing trader fraud
“Missing trader fraud is a fraud perpetrated against the VAT system that has affected EU Member States. HMRC has sought to use all of the tools at its disposal to combat the fraud, but the confidence of the fraudsters over the last eighteen months has increased. The Department should continue to work with the European Commission and other Member States. Such concerted action is essential in successfully tackling this problem.
“I find it encouraging that HM Revenue and Customs is well positioned to manage the current risks to VAT from electronic commerce. With internet sales set to mushroom in the next few years, the Department faces a challenge to ensure it stays ahead of the game. Some businesses are inventive at side-stepping VAT, and the Department must be equally innovative in guaranteeing the Exchequer gets the revenue it is due.”
“I am pleased to see an increasing recognition of the key role that financial management has to play in the efficient use of resources and the delivery of efficiency programmes. The continuing steps being taken by the Treasury and departments to improve the professionalism of the finance function are therefore very welcome.
“A number of departments are still finding it difficult, however, to submit good quality financial accounts in time for them to be audited and laid before Parliament before its Summer Recess. It is essential for all departments to recognise the immense benefits to themselves of producing robust, accurate and up to date financial information throughout the financial year and not leaving it to the end of the year. This is essential if they are to improve their resource planning and decision making.”
“I am pleased that I am able to give an unqualified opinion on the National Insurance Fund Account following the advances made by DWP and HMRC in improving their systems”
“Nevertheless, HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions need to correct errors in Incapacity Benefit records on the two Departments’ systems. There may be difficult decisions to be taken in undertaking what could be a large and complex task which comes on top of routine processing”
“Poor quality NI contributions information from some employers continues to cause difficulties for HM Revenue and Customs and potentially for the individuals seeking benefits. The hoped for effects of initiatives to improve employers’ data quality cannot yet be demonstrated because of problems with some IT systems in the summer of 2005”
“I welcome the improvement in the Department’s management of Corporation Tax over the last five years, which has led to higher tax yields from fewer formal enquiries, bringing benefits to the Department and company taxpayers alike.
“My report highlights how HM Revenue & Customs can build on these achievements, by deploying its staff to focus its work on tax returns that pose the greatest risk, while helping companies to meet their obligations.”
