In the news: December 2024

‘Helen Thornley, technical officer of the Association of Taxation Technicians, said the Chancellor is likely to continue to focus on tax avoidance and evasion as noted in the Labour manifesto.’

‘The i’ Budget preview, 11 October. ATT’s Emma Rawson was also quoted and both Helen and Emma contributed to BBC Radio Budget previews too.

‘Taxpayers can now print off their own tax returns rather than relying on being sent one by HMRC… Antonia Stokes, a technical officer for the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, said: “This is a welcome step by HMRC that will make it easier for some taxpayers.”’

The Times, 13 October

John Barnett, chair of the technical policy and oversight committee of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, a professional body, said the Lawson CGT regime ‘arguably restricted entrepreneurship’. ‘If you tinker with CGT there’s more chance for behavioural change [from taxpayers],’ added Emma Rawson, technical officer for the Association of Taxation Technicians.

Financial Times article on the history of CGT, 19 October

‘Joanne Walker, a technical officer for the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, has suggested that “until the new system can be introduced for everyone, HMRC should take steps to make late filing penalties fairer and more consistent for all taxpayers”.’

The Guardian, article on HMRC levying fines on people who don’t owe tax, 28 October

‘This change is likely to trigger an increase in the number of lifetime gifts, as all but those owning the smallest value farms and businesses scramble to avoid paying inheritance tax.’

John Barnett of CIOT quoted in Financial Times article on IHT Budget changes, 31 October

‘Rachel Reeves warned the country this would be a Budget of tough choices – and her tax announcements show that.’

Ellen Milner, CIOT Director of Public Policy, opinion article in the Scottish Sun, 31 October