On 1 November, following consultation, HMRC issued its revised code of governance for resolving tax disputes. It sets out how decisions involving the settlement of large or sensitive cases will take place. It will add delay and uncertainty for many taxpayers but is very necessary. Yet there is a question mark over whether the role of tax assurance commissioner is sufficiently independent. And whether the LSS is fit for purpose. HMRC is coming under increasing pressure to increase investigations into big businesses and it is vital that HMRC is free to reach sensible settlements which withstand scrutiny when it does.
