HMRC set for technological step-change, claims non-exec
HMRC is to improve and increase its use of technology, lead non-executive director Ian Barlow confirms
HMRC is to improve and increase its use of technology, lead non-executive director Ian Barlow confirms
A “REVOLUTION” in the use of technology is underway at HM Revenue & Customs, according to the body’s lead non-executive director.
Writing in a guest column for City AM, Ian Barlow said enhancing digital services and making digital the channel of choice for tax payers; harnessing the potential of data; and developing HMRC’s workforce with the new skills it needs to effectively meet its objectives would drive its change.
Keen to point out there will “still be a multi-channel approach” with the option to use telephone or in-person contact for those who cannot interact online, Barlow noted every tax payer will have personal accounts for secure transactions with HMRC.
“Effective use of data will not only ensure easier transactions by compliant taxpayers,” wrote Barlow. “It will also improve voluntary compliance, such as automating and checking calculations to prevent inadvertent error. This will free up HMRC’s tax compliance professionals to focus their energies on the small minority who are really trying to cheat the system.”
He added HMRC will require investment in its staff in order to keep abreast of the change.
“This will be a smaller, but more nimble and professionalised organisation, with far fewer manual, paper-based processes, and a need for more judgement in dealing with customers’ needs,” he said.
More about:
The numbers you crunch tell a story. Your expertis...
10yEmbracing user-friendly AP systems can turn the tide, streamlining workflows, enhancing compliance, and opening doors to early payment discounts. Read...
View articleOrganisations can enhance their financial operations' efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness by adopting platforms that offer them self-service cust...
View articleIn a world of instant results and automated workloads, the potential for AP to drive insights and transform results is enormous. But, if you’re still ...
View resourceDiscover how AP dashboards can transform your business by enhancing efficiency and accuracy in tracking key metrics, as revealed by the latest insight...
View articleAs the Spring Budget approaches, dissenters of the UK government’s increasingly complex contractor legislation are baying for change. HMRC has already...
View articleStricter controls on VAT compliance is set to shut down the “colossal” VAT tax gap. Read More...
View articleThere has been a percentage increase in the number of claims made by companies, but more needs to be done Read More...
View articleThe Targeted Anti-Avoidance Rule was introduced to prevent individuals lowering their tax liability by converting what would otherwise be a dividend i...
View articleIn 2016-17, the average length of time to settle a tax investigation rose to 34 months, up from 31 months in 2015-16. The tax authority has also incre...
View articleDiverted profits tax revenue collected by HMRC in 2016-17 totalled £281m, leaping from £31m collected in the previous year, according to data released...
View articleThe report suggests a wide range of reforms focussed on bringing together corporation tax and accounts, including creating five year roadmap for CT re...
View articleIn 2012, HMRC made 591 requests to foreign governments. In 2016, this number stood at 1096, a 7% increase on 1025 requests made in 2015 Read More...
View article