Tax system too complicated, says Hart-Davis

Date: 4th February 2008

Adam Hart-Davis, star of HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC) recent advertising campaign, has admitted that the UK tax system could be easier to understand.

The historian and TV presenter, who is known for claiming that "tax doesn't have to be taxing" in the HMRC adverts, told a discussion programme on BBC Radio Five Live last week that filling out a self assessment tax return form could be "tough".

Mr Hart-Davis was commenting on the problems facing HMRC and the UK's taxpayers after the tax body's online filing system collapsed due to the high volume of users attempting to beat the January 31st deadline, the Guardian reports.

He said: "I think Gordon Brown would earn more tax if it were simpler, even if the rates were lower.

"It is tough going through the tax form and I just wish Gordon Brown would make it simpler."

Mr Hart-Davis also lightheartedly suggested that his days on the tax return campaign may be numbered, stating that HMRC officials are looking to replace him with "some new, beautiful face".

Currently presenting the History Channel's How London Was Built series, the 64-year-old has previously fronted popular programmes such as Local Heroes and Tomorrow's World.