Taxman meets advisors as it seeks understanding

THE TAXMAN has so far met with 23 advisors as part of its plan to improve the experience of dealing with HMRC.

A meeting in September between HMRC and a range of tax bodies saw a commitment to focus on improving three areas of work in the short term, with others planned for next year.

The first areas where has begun are: Looking to improve post handling and processing; meetings between advisors and HMRC front-line staff; and HMRC to visit office of advisors and charities to gain an understanding of service delivery.

Around 90 advisors have so far agreed to take part in the scheme.

An interim review meeting has now been scheduled between HMRC and the tax bodies to look at initial progress.

ICAEW chief executive Michael Izza said the start of the programme had been "promising", but more work was required.

"The initial results are promising and suggest that progress is being made. It is essential that this momentum is maintained, with the support and active engagement from the very top of HMRC," said Izza.