Background
The Compliance checks framework brought in by Schedule 36 FA08 has changed the way HMRC officers check the tax position of individuals, businesses, companies, employers and any other VAT registered bodies.
HMRC now has one set of powers to:
- visit business premises to inspect the premises, assets and records
- ask taxpayers and third parties for information and documents
These measures include taxpayer safeguards to ensure that the powers are used by HMRC officers appropriately.
The powers also include:
- greater flexibility in setting record keeping requirements
- new time limits for making assessments and claims. These will not be fully in force until 1 April 2010 for the taxes in FA 08 and 1 April 2011 for the taxes in FA 09, in both cases there are transitional arrangements in the year preceding those dates
