Calls for government to deliver a simpler tax system

Leading tax and accountancy professional bodies have come together to outline the processes needed for ministers and officials to deliver a simpler tax system.

The professional bodies involved are the:

• Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)
• Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)
• The CIOT’s Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)

Senior representatives from each group have sent a letter to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (tax minister) Victoria Atkins MP expressing their disappointment in the government’s decision to abolish the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) in September 2022.

However, they welcome the Chancellor’s assurance that simplifying tax remains a priority and that officials in the Treasury and HMRC have been given a mandate to focus on simplicity in tax policy and administrative design.

The signatories said:

“In our view, the Office of Tax Simplification achieved a significant amount and with greater ministerial support could have done even more, so we regret the government’s decision to abolish it.

“Nevertheless, the clear mandate given to officials in the Treasury and at HMRC to focus on simplicity in tax policy and administrative design is positive.

“We want to see tax simplification embedded as promised, and we offer our support to help officials realise this aim.”

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