HMRC clocks up another win over NT Advisors
HMRC has secured its eighth consecutive tribunal win against tax avoidance schemes run by NT Advisors.
Between them, HMRC’s court successes against NT Advisors have now protected over £750 million in tax, defeating five of the promoter’s schemes. Among them is the Working Wheels scheme, where participants claimed to be second-hand car dealers.
In this latest case, the Upper Tribunal dismissed NT Advisors’ latest appeal that a scheme which used complex financial arrangements involving alleged overseas securities worked. The ruling upholds an earlier First-tier Tribunal judgment in HMRC’s favour.
In total there were 305 users of the scheme and this ruling alone is expected to protect £156 million in tax that would otherwise have been lost. HMRC will now pursue the other users of the scheme to make sure all the taxes that are due are paid.
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, said:
While the vast majority of people pay the taxes they owe, this victory shows HMRC’s determination and effectiveness in clamping down on those who seek to avoid their responsibilities.
Users of NT Advisors schemes, or those considering using their schemes, should know by now that HMRC is very successful at defeating them, and give serious thought to ending their involvement.
HMRC has a dedicated helpline – 03000 530435 – for those who have engaged in tax avoidance schemes but now want to settle their affairs. Further information can also be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk/avoidance/tempted.htm.
HMRC is writing to users of many of NT Advisors’ schemes to make sure they know how successful the department is at beating their schemes in court. In the last two months the department has written to more than 1,000 users, and users of the Bluebox scheme will be contacted shortly.