HMRC has published a set of research reports into various aspects of interactions it has with small businesses. These include:
Understanding the experiences of start-up businesses: suggesting these businesses may benefit from a central directory including a checklist of the key things to consider and bodies to consult when setting up in business;
Small business customer avoidable contact relating to VAT and corporation tax: suggesting anxiety about being penalised for making errors, difficulty in navigating online content and confusion in applying written guidance were factors contributing to taxpayers choosing to contact HMRC via the helpline rather than using alternative online channels;
Supporting customers to pay their tax on time: suggesting more active promotion of the budget payment plan and ready reckoner and more flexibility for taxpayers to make pre-emptive payments either via a direct debt or on an ad hoc basis if their situation requires;
Insolvency process pilot research: suggesting taxpayers would benefit from a longer period to pay back their debt, with lower monthly payments spread across a longer period to help businesses continue to operate sustainably; and
Business customer attitudes towards data privacy and data sharing: suggesting many businesses are comfortable with greater sharing of data by central government if it leads to more streamlined services, but less happy with more sharing at local government level.
HMRC has published a set of research reports into various aspects of interactions it has with small businesses. These include:
Understanding the experiences of start-up businesses: suggesting these businesses may benefit from a central directory including a checklist of the key things to consider and bodies to consult when setting up in business;
Small business customer avoidable contact relating to VAT and corporation tax: suggesting anxiety about being penalised for making errors, difficulty in navigating online content and confusion in applying written guidance were factors contributing to taxpayers choosing to contact HMRC via the helpline rather than using alternative online channels;
Supporting customers to pay their tax on time: suggesting more active promotion of the budget payment plan and ready reckoner and more flexibility for taxpayers to make pre-emptive payments either via a direct debt or on an ad hoc basis if their situation requires;
Insolvency process pilot research: suggesting taxpayers would benefit from a longer period to pay back their debt, with lower monthly payments spread across a longer period to help businesses continue to operate sustainably; and
Business customer attitudes towards data privacy and data sharing: suggesting many businesses are comfortable with greater sharing of data by central government if it leads to more streamlined services, but less happy with more sharing at local government level.
