HMRC pilots scheme to resolve SME tax disputes more easily

09 January 2012
HMRC pilots scheme to resolve SME tax disputes more easily

Tax disputes between small and medium-sized business and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) could be soon be resolved more quickly and easily following the introduction of a pilot dispute resolution process for SMEs.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which is being piloted in North Wales and the North-west, will employ independent HMRC facilitators to resolve difficult disputes between businesses and HMRC in the hope of avoiding costly tribunals.

The ADR will attempt to catch and solve disputes during a compliance check. The pilot in North Wales and the North-west follows a successful trial earlier this year, where 60% of disputes were either fully or partially resolved.

HMRC's, Jim Stevenson, assistant director, local compliance, said: "ADR will help SMEs resolve disputes without having to go to a tribunal - saving them both time and money. It is a good opportunity for HMRC to work together with our customers to potentially resolve disputes much earlier than at present.

"The facilitators are HMRC members of staff who have been trained in ADR techniques and have not been involved in the dispute.

"We have found that often there are communication problems. So the HMRC facilitator will help all parties reach a shared and full understanding of the disputed facts and arguments. They will also ensure there is good communication, and help explain what each side is trying to say to the other. The aim is to resolve the dispute or, if not, as many issues as possible."

ADR does not affect existing processes or review and appeal rights, and covers both VAT and direct taxes.

HMRC investigating 530 restaurants for tax evasion >>

How to… deal with an HMRC enquiry >>

RSM Tenon starts VAT health checks after HMRC crackdown >>

By Neil Gerrard

E-mail your comments to Neil Gerrard here.

Tabletalk
Tabletalk
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk

Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs

Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs

Blogs on Catererandhotelkeeper.com ](http://www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/blogs) Catch up with more news and gossip on all Caterer's blogs
[E-newsletters](http://www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/email-newsletters.htm)[ For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our E-newsletters
The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking