HMRC presents first tax transparency awards
Teresa Graham among the winners at HM Revenue & Customs' tax transparency awards
Teresa Graham among the winners at HM Revenue & Customs' tax transparency awards
KPMG TAX PARTNER Julie Hughff and Teresa Graham, chair of the Administrative Burden Advisory Board (ABAB), were among the winners of HM Revenue & Custom’s first “tax transparency” awards.
The awards recognise the contribution the business, professional and voluntary communities make to helping HMRC run the UK’s tax system.
Hughff was given the award for “for persuading clients of the benefits of good relationships between business and tax administrations, the early clarification of key business issues and her open-minded approach to the resolution of technical issues.”
Teresa Graham, a chartered accountant and former Accountancy Age columnist, was praised for “making ABAB an example of best practice where the government has engaged with business to identify ways to reduce administrative burdens.” The board on which she sits advises the taxman on reducing the administrative burden of the tax system
Other award winners were Peter van Dijk – senior vice president, taxation, TD Bank Financial Group – for work including “bringing clarity to guidance on tax rules in the financial sector” – and John Andrew, of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group “for championing the cause of the unrepresented taxpayer and making a positive impact on UK tax administration.”
Presenting the awards, David Gauke, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said: “These awards show there are some excellent working practices between HMRC and taxpayers. I’m delighted to recognise the contribution that individuals outside the department make to the development, operation and delivery of tax administration.”
Dave Hartnett, HMRC’s permanent secretary for tax, said: “Making the tax system simple and transparent is of vital importance. HMRC has to recognise that we cannot do this alone – many individuals and organisations in the tax profession and voluntary community help us achieve this.”
Pictured: Julie Hughff, Peter van Dijk, Lesley Strathie, David Gauke MP, Dave Hartnett, John Andrews & Teresa Graham