HMRC commits to improving relationship with business

In December 2018, the CBI released practical and, importantly, not costly recommendations to help improve the relationship between HMRC and business. The CBI and our members are delighted to hear that, following these recommendations, HMRC is working towards improving the worsening relationship with business.

Following the CBI’s recommendations, HMRC:

• Are reviewing their Customer Compliance Manager (CCM) handover processes and materials to make the process smoother and more transparent. The new process will be tested with the CBI prior to the finalisation.
• Have included the CBI's 'In need of a reset' report as a resource in HMRC's CCMs development hub. As a result, CCMs should become more aware of the specific concerns/issues experienced by large business. This should improve the co-operative compliance relationship between business and HMRC.
• Have committed to a monthly call with the CBI to discuss progress on the CBI's recommendations. We also have regular meetings with Jim Harra, HMRC Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive. These regular engagements will help with gradual practical improvements in business dealings with HMRC.

Though there is more work to be done, these are significant wins for business and will help create a clearer, simpler tax system that alleviates the rising burden on business.