Compliance Checks workshop at Individuals Stakeholder Forum - 2 October
2008
Like the idea of a mail shot/poster approach - discussed scratch
cards (Tax Credits did this recently), and they thought a good idea.
Don't like the 'brown envelope' (maybe send this information out
in a different coloured envelope?)/ our communications are perceived as
too formal, most customers won't open them, until a problem presents
itself and then they seek help from these bodies, usually when they are
at the critical debt management stage.
Customers are not aware of their obligations/rights re time limits/or
the changes coming.
Customers think tax is too complicated - and may prefer not to hear
these kinds of messages from HMRC - suggested possibly using the media
instead - via possibly Media Trust to push preventive tax information
across a range of harder to reach/vulnerable customers. Tax Aid are brigading
this, and suggested we should link into that process? I understand Derek
is the person I need to speak to here?
Tax Aid are also conducting a survey of the customers likely to be affected,
offered to share their findings with us, via the ICU. This will give a good
insight into people's problems with the tax system and go some way
to improve relationships with HMRC. It is clear that we need more and fit
for purpose guidance for these customers than is currently proposed.
NUS also interested in the changes to time limits for VAT, as their bodies
registered usually as charities, with exempt income etc, and can be VAT
repayment traders - time limits changing from three to four years
may have an impact for them.
