Under the current concession taxpayers that have outstanding tax are able to apply to use ESC A19. This concession writes off the amount owed if the taxpayer can show that HM Revenue & Customs failed to use information at their disposal in a timely manner.
Under the proposed changes taxpayers would be deemed to have a basic level of knowledge and understanding of their own tax affairs. Also, if the taxpayer believes there is an error relating to their tax affairs they would be expected to contact HM Revenue & Customs without delay.
This also brings into question whether there should be a time limit on using the concession as taxpayers have to take ‘personal responsibility’ in making sure their tax affairs are correct.
The proposals are currently under consultation and Eaves & Co are to provide a response as we have successfully assisted clients in claiming under ESC A19 on a number of occasions.
In practice these proposed changes would appear to make it more difficult for taxpayers to make a claim under concession ESC A19 as there is more onus on the taxpayer to make sure their affairs are correct.