HMRC unveils 'streamlining' measures for business

Date: 30th March 2009

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has unveiled a string of new initiatives designed to streamline how businesses and agents work with the government.

From April 1st, small firms will benefit from less confusion when dealing with the department, due its all encompassing set of powers over PAYE, VAT, corporation tax and income taxation.

Agents and companies will also be able to take advantage of a two-tier taxation tribunals system, which replaces the existing system.

Finally, HMRC will implement changes to the entry and leaving rules for small enterprises working under the flat-rate VAT scheme.

Permanent secretary for tax at the department, Dave Hartnett, said: "These are important measures which will make it easier for businesses and their advisors to meet their obligations whilst making it easier to work with us and to get decisions on points of law."

He added that the scheme would provide small firms with "more consistency" in processing key documents.

Meanwhile, HMRC has offered a £75 cash payment to those businesses which file their Employer Annual Return online before May 19th.