LITRG calls for clearer publications from HMRC

Date: 7th February 2011

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) needs to make its publications easier to understand.

That is according to the Low Income Tax Reform Group (LITRG), which has claimed the UK department should follow the example of its US counterpart.

It comes after US president Barack Obama introduced the Plain Writing Act 2010, which ensures that all government documents are written in a clear, concise and easy to understand language.

"A similar Act in the UK, properly enforced, would save LITRG countless hours of commenting upon badly drafted government forms, leaflets and general guidance," the organisation said.

"It would also give the unrepresented taxpayer a fighting chance of helping themselves when trying to cope with HMRC obligations. It would certainly reduce error to a considerable degree."

The LITRG said such a move would mean the end of confusing official language, which is difficult for "the man or woman in the street" to recognise.

Posted by Jacob Williams