Budget (4): Consultation on tax administration

The Government has published its vision of how, once integrated, the Revenue and Customs departments (HMRC) will deliver 'real improvements in its relationship with small business and minimise administrative burdens'.

'Working towards a new relationship: A consultation on priorities for reducing the administrative burdens of the tax system on small business' provides an opportunity for small businesses and their advisors to comment on whether the vision and measures outlined in the paper reflect their concerns and priorities, and seeks to initiate a dialogue that will lead to an improved relationship.

The Treasury believe that as a result of the measures set out in the paper, small businesses can, over time, expect to understand their tax liabilities more easily and:

• provide information to HMRC only once;
  
• spend less time dealing with inspections;
  
• benefit from a range of modern flexible payment options;
  
• enjoy a single point of contact with the new department; and
  
• have access to co-ordinated, clear and helpful support and
  education when and in the form they need it.

The new department will set targets for real cost reductions that will be set and published.

The consultation period begins today and will run until 30th June 2005.

Comments and responses can be sent by email to:

Smallbusinessunit@hmce.gsi.gov.uk and matt.nelson@ir.gsi.gov.uk.

Comments and responses can also be sent by post to:

Matthew Nelson

Room 03/C17

1 Parliament Street

London

SW1A 2BQ

Tel: 020 7147 3179

Fax: 020 7147 2639

Matthew Little

Room 03/38

1 Parliament Street

London

SW1A 2BQ

Tel: 020 7147 0385

Fax: 020 7147 0629

The consultation document is: 'Working towards a new relationship' A consultation on priorities for reducing the administrative burdens of the tax system on small business