Overview
Visits to inspect the premises, assets and records of a business has always been an important part of the work of HMRC compliance officers.
The inspection powers legislation at Schedule 36 FA 2008 governs when an inspection may be carried out, what you can inspect, the notice that must be given and the conduct of inspections from 1 April 2009 in respect of Value Added Tax (VAT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Corporation Tax (CT) and Income Tax (IT) including Pay as You Earn (PAYE) and the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).
From 1 April 2010, the powers in Schedule 36 are extended to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), Inheritance Tax (IHT), Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (SDRT), Petroleum Revenue Tax (PRT), Aggregates Levy (AGL), Climate Change Levy (CCL) and Landfill Tax (LFT). From 31 August 2010 Bank Payroll Tax (BPT) is also brought within Schedule 36.
Whilst Excise duties will not be brought within Schedule 36, some Schedule 36 powers will be incorporated into the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 with effect from 1 April 2011. Further learning will be available in respect of these powers.
The extension of the Schedule 36 powers to Excise duties is currently under review and further information will be available in due course.
