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HMRC data sharing put under scrutiny

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HMRC has launched a consultation about sharing and publishing the data it collects. The consultation focuses on two aspects: sharing anonymised and consolidated data sets, particularly with other government departments; and the publication or controlled release of basic or more comprehensive VAT registration information (ranging from basic information – VAT numbers, trading name and trade classification – through to more comprehensive information including names, addresses, legal structure and contact details).

It invites views on the proposals for data sharing and the potential safeguards that might be associated with that, and on the potential benefits, costs and risks, and necessary safeguards for proposals to share VAT registration data, either publicly or under controlled conditions for specified purposes, for example, credit rating. Responses are requested by 24 September 2013 and it is intended that a response to the consultation will be published at the time of the Autumn statement. Any legislation to introduce changes considered in the consultation would not be introduced before the 2014/15 parliamentary session.

In related news, the Data-gathering Powers (Relevant Data) (Amendment) Regulations, SI 2013/1811, which come into force on 1 September 2013, prescribe that data merchant acquirers must provide to HMRC on receipt of a data-holder notice. FA 2013 added merchant acquirers to the list of data-holders from which HMRC can obtain third-party data.

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