Con Doc – HMRC bulk and specialist information powers
HMRC has launched a further consultation document as part of their continued ‘modernisation’ of their powers.
The media has been referring to elements of the document as containing new powers that would allow HMRC to force lettings agents to hand over the names and addresses of all landlords on their books, past and present.
This consultation, titled ‘Bulk and specialist information powers’, covers two areas:
– Bulk information powers – these are the powers used by HMRC to gather specific pieces of information relating to taxpayers for use in risk analysis such as identifying where taxpayers have bank accounts where interest was paid gross.
– Specialist unnamed taxpayer information powers – These are the powers which allow HMRC to ask for certain information from a third party about an unnamed taxpayer. These powers only apply in certain controlled circumstances such as information relating to a specific transaction or set of circumstances.
The deadline for submitting comments is 1 October 2009.