Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is currently adopting systems to make the process of tax reviews fairer for businesses.Previously, businesses that disputed an HMRC decision would have to go through the arduous process of a tax tribunal but a new Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is set to make contests less of burden, according to Keystone Law.
The ADR process will be aimed at SMEs and will see a 'facilitator' from HMRC appointed to work with the business involved and the HMRC caseworker that made the original decision in an attempt to reach an accord.
Matheu Smith, consultant solicitor at Keystone Law, says that it is good to see HMRC showing some flexibility when dealing with businesses.
"It remains to be seen whether anything can be done about the dog’s breakfast that is UK tax law, but in the meantime HMRC's greater willingness to try to resolve disputes is most welcome," he said.
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