Paul Gray, the chairman of HM Revenue and Customs, has tendered his resignation in a move that will shock Whitehall and the tax profession, Accountancy Age understands.

An HMRC spokesman said the organisation had nothing to add to the reports and would be making a statement later this afternoon.

Gray, a very popular figure with advisers, only took on the chairmanship in February this year. He took over from Sir David Varney and was seen by the profession as a key figure in improving relations between the taxman and taxpayers.

The BBC reports that the resignation is a result of major operational problems at HMRC.

Alistair Darling, the chancellor, is expected to make a statement a 3.30pm.