News from butterworths

The annual report from the Administrative Burdens Advisory Board (ABAB) shows a slight improvement in HMRC’s performance but there is a rising concern over legislative burden and continued difficulties with communication channels.

A new consultation that proposes loosening the rules on company reporting standards could both benefit companies and give cause for concern.

Directors are being warned to verify their identities with Companies House or risk prosecution after the Insolvency Service secured its first convictions for these offences.

Members of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) are due to get letters from HMRC where errors have been identified in their monthly returns. The letters, due in October, are in response to three common errors identified by HMRC.

Britain’s companies are facing a critical challenge with over one in five working-age adults out of the workforce, with ill-health and disability as major drivers.

HMRC have clarified the position on Self Assessment tax return reporting requirements for directors of close companies and updated their guidance for directors of charities.

HMRC have updated guidance on UK VAT refunds for non-UK businesses in a VAT group. Revenue & Customs Brief 10 (2026) explains changes to how non-UK businesses in a VAT group should make future UK VAT refund claims and the transitional arrangements. It also explains how to ask HMRC to reconsider claims made since 1 January 2021 that have been refused.

Mayors across England are to be given the power to charge a tourist tax on overnight stays which would apply to British and foreign visitors alike.