After discussions with the Northern Ireland Tax Committee about concerning behaviours of certain R&D tax relief advisers, the Institute contacted HMRC to suggest that a process could be developed to enable reporting of these concerns. In a recent meeting with HMRC, we were advised that a process is now available via what HMRC refer to as the Professional Bodies mailbox. The mailbox should only be used by members of a recognised tax or accountancy Professional Body to report concerns about a potential rogue R&D adviser and should not be used for any other purpose. As yet, HMRC has not specifically defined ‘recognised body’ for this purpose but has advised that Chartered Accountants Ireland falls within this.  When using this mailbox, please provide information about the potential breach only and not details of specific claims. HMRC will use this in their compliance strategy for R&D agents. Following receipt of the email, if HMRC requires any further information they will make contact with the person who made the initial report. The email address to use to make a report is wmbciandrprofessionalbodies@hmrc.gov.uk.   To date HMRC has not formally publicised this and is not planning to undertake any activity at the minute due to the pre-election period.  

In this week’s miscellaneous updates, HMRC is encouraging students to use the HMRC app to speed up student loan applications and the latest list of non-compliant employers under National Minimum Wage legislation has been published. HMRC’s latest schedule of live and recorded webinars for tax agents is available for booking. Spaces are limited, so take a look now and save your place. HMRC has also published meeting notes from the most recent Guidance Strategy Forum and guidance has now been issued on how in-scope multinational groups can register for the UK’s Pillar Two regime.  Use the HMRC app for student loan applications  HMRC is encouraging students to use the HMRC app to speed up student loan applications. With many students planning their next steps in life, those starting university in September can ‘tap the app’ to get National Insurance and tax information they need to complete their student finance applications, HMRC has said.  Anyone applying for a student loan for the 2024/25 academic year is encouraged to start their application now to get the essential details they need via the app. HMRC has produced a video to encourage students to save time by downloading the app.  Non-compliant employers named in latest National Minimum Wage list  The Department for Business and Trade has published its annual list of employers who failed to pay the National Minimum Wage (“NMW”). This year marks 25 years since the introduction of the NMW which was increased from 1 April 2024, as was the National Living Wage.   The press release accompanying the annual report explains that if workers suspect they are being underpaid, they can visit www.gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more about what they can do. Workers can also call the acas helpline on 0300 123 1100 or visit their website for free, impartial and confidential advice or complain to HMRC at Pay and work rights helpline and complaints.  Registration for UK’s Pillar Two regime  HMRC has issued guidance on how in-scope multinational groups can register for the UK’s Pillar Two regime. Broadly, registration via HMRC’s online service is required within six months from the end of the first accounting period beginning on or after 31 December 2023 for in scope groups. This is the first phase of HMRC’s plans to ‘go live’ with the Pillar Two Top-up Taxes online service.  

In this week’s EU exit corner, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications relevant to EU exit. The most recent Trader Support Service Bulletin is also available, and the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee has published its first report.  Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee publishes first report  The Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee has published its first report which sets out the conclusions of its inquiry into a published replacement EU act on geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. The main focus of the Committee’s inquiry was on the two conditions to be satisfied for the Stormont Brake to be used. You can read more about the contents of the report in the Brexit and Beyond 3 June 2024 newsletter published by the by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s EU Affairs Team.  The Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee is a standing committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Committee’s functions include:-  Examining and considering new EU acts and replacement EU acts;  Conducting inquiries and publishing reports in relation to replacement EU acts;  Engaging with businesses, civil society, and others in relation to replacement EU acts;  Engaging with the UK Government in relation to replacement EU acts;  Engaging with Ministers of Northern Ireland departments and the NI Executive in relation to replacement EU acts; and Dealing with other matters such as legislative proposals which may become new EU acts or replacement EU acts.  Miscellaneous updated guidance etc.   Recently updated guidance, and publications relevant to EU exit are set out below:- Attending an inland border facility;  Data Element 2/3: Documents and Other Reference Codes (Union) of the Customs Declaration Service;  CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Imports;  CDS BIRDS Declarations and Customs Clearance Request completion instructions;  Customs declarants and declaration volumes for international trade in 2023; and  Data Element 2/3 Documents and Other Reference Codes (National) of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) 

This month’s tidbits cover an updated HMRC organisation chart and the latest fuel advisory rates. HM Revenue and Customs' organisation chart;  Advisory fuel rates;  Check genuine HMRC contact that uses more than one communication method;  Set up as a sole trader: step by step;  List of approved professional organisations and learned societies (List 3);  Disability, mental health and wellbeing at HM Revenue and Customs;  Compliance checks: Corresponding with HMRC electronically — CC/FS83;  Authorise a tax agent (64-8);  Apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions (CA8480);  Updating your tax agent contact details with HMRC;  Register your limited company as a subcontractor or apply for gross payment status, or both;  Complaints from External Customers about the Conduct of HMRC staff Guidance;  Claim a refund of Income Tax deducted from savings and investments (R40);  Tell HMRC your company is dormant for Corporation Tax;  Named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers, and suppliers;  Tell HMRC about your Employment Related Securities schemes;  Give temporary authorisation to allow HMRC to deal with your tax adviser (COMP1);  Claim to reduce payments on account;  Apply for a certificate confirming you will pay UK National Insurance when working temporarily abroad (CA3822);  Construction Industry Scheme: CIS 340;  Double Taxation Treaty Passport Scheme register;  Completing your Company Tax Return;  National Minimum Wage information for employers;  Tax-free savings newsletter 11; and  Employment Related Securities Bulletin 54 (February 2024). 

Effective dialogue between stakeholders enables informed and evidence-based policy-making. The Platform for Tax Good Governance was established in 2013 to bring together non-government and government stakeholders to tackle issues arising in the field of taxation, such as cross-border taxation, aggressive tax planning, double taxation, and double non-taxation. The Commission has decided to establish a new expert group to continue the work of the Platform for Tax Good Governance.

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual which provides guidance on the particulars to be supplied by new companies. The guidance has been updated in paragraph 1 to include information on the National Registrations Unit (formerly the National Companies Unit).

Section 124 SDCA 1999 provides for a charge to stamp duty on credit cards and charge cards. Revenue has updated the Stamp Duty Manual to provide further guidance on charge cards, specifically on company charge cards (paragraph 4.3).

Section 83DA SDCA 1999 provides for a full repayment of stamp duty paid on the acquisition of a residential property where, within 12 months of acquiring the property, the accountable person sells it to an eligible applicant within the meaning of the Affordable Housing Act 2021. Revenue has updated the Stamp Duty Manual which provides guidance on how to make a repayment claim under section 83DA SDCA 1999. The guidance has been updated to clarify that: Only those persons that are directly involved in the provision of affordable housing are eligible to claim a repayment under section 83DA Eligibility for a repayment will only arise if the sale of the property to an eligible applicant is charged to stamp duty under the CONVEYANCE or TRANSFER on sale head of charge. 

It's that time of year – our Published Accounts Awards 2024 are now open for entries!  As well as rewarding excellence in corporate reporting, the PAA continues to recognise companies for their achievements across areas such as sustainability, ESG, diversity, equity & inclusion and branding.  Entries are welcome across all types of reporting bodies – whether they are large listed companies, or small not for profit organisations. We are looking at annual reports in respect of financial years ended on or before 31 March 2024.  This year entries close on Friday 12 July 2024 – don’t miss out!  Full details of the awards are on our web page or contact the Leinster Society office at paa@charteredaccountants.ie for more information.  The winners will be announced at the Published Accounts Awards (PAA) event, kindly sponsored by Euronext, and held on Thursday 7 November 2024. Hosted by incoming Chair Damien Carr and the PAA Committee, the awards will take place in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin 2, with a special guest MC to be announced closer to the date.  

Section 837 TCA 1997 entitles a member of the clergy or a minister of any religious denomination to claim certain deductions against any profits, fees or emoluments arising from their profession. Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual regarding the Representative Church Body Cost of Living Accommodation Allowance to include the allowance for 2023, with updated examples.

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual which provides guidance on the Rent-a-room Relief. Section 216A TCA 1997 exempts certain sums arising to an individual in respect of letting rooms, for residential purposes, and the provision of meals or other services in connection with the letting. The guidance, including relevant examples, has been updated to: Clarify when relief is not available between family members Detail how the Rent Tax Credit interacts with the rent-a-room relief (section 7.2) Confirm that the Mortgage Interest Tax Credit does not affect entitlement to rent-a-room relief (section 7.3).

Revenue has update the Tax and Duty Manual which provides guidance on the tax treatment of the reimbursement of expenses of travel and subsistence to office holders and employees, as follows: Guidance regarding the mandatory reporting by employers under Enhanced Reporting Requirements (ERR) as the payment of travel and subsistence expenses free of tax comes within the scope of the ERR (paragraph 1.4) Increased Civil Service subsistence rates applicable from 14 December 2023 (appendix 1).