Do the powers follow the former Inland Revenue model or the old VAT model?
Most of the powers exist already for one or other of the taxes but not one of the old models is followed. These powers represent a sensible aligned approach to maintaining the tax system. In many places they enhance safeguards for taxpayers and they allow HMRC to work more effectively and reduce the burden on compliant taxpayers. The legislation is to ensure HMRC has the right powers for the job, not simply levelled-up or levelled-down powers. It extends some powers, primarily for Income Tax, Corporation Tax and Capital Gains Tax but also restricts some powers, such as the VAT power to visit unannounced.
