Office of Tax Simplification publishes 2018-19 Annual Report
Simplifying the tax system to make it easier for taxpayers
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The OTS is the independent adviser to government on simplifying the UK tax system, to make it easier for taxpayers. Today it has published its third Annual Report, covering the year to 31 March 2019.
Kathryn Cearns, OBE, OTS Chairman, said:
This year has been another highly productive one for the OTS, as seen in the 7 reports we have published, covering a wide range of areas including Inheritance Tax, HMRC guidance and the taxation of self-employed people in a changing world.
There have also been significant changes in the organisation’s leadership, with Bill Dodwell and myself respectively suceeding Paul Morton as Tax Director and Angela Knight CBE as Chair. We owe each of them a great debt for all they have brought to the work and reputation of the Office.
The work of the OTS
The OTS is the first sustained endeavour in the world to bring a systematic and thoroughly researched approach to advising government on tax simplification.
It is in a unique position to highlight issues, stimulate debate and act as a catalyst for change, given its strong connections within government, its wide access to deep expertise outside government and its independent voice.
Some recent highlights include:
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the OTS’s two reports on Inheritance Tax, first (in November 2018) exploring ways to improve the administration of this tax, and then (earlier this month) offering a range of suggestions for simplifying the rules themselves, in particular in relation to lifetime gifts
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the warm reception from HMRC to our report on improving HMRC guidance, which highlighted the benefits available if the Department gave this crucial interface with taxpayers greater and more consistent focus
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seeing the OTS’s work on the Gig economy and Technology move on to a new level, with papers on the issues and opportunities technology presents, and now starting a new piece of work on reporting and payment arrangements for self-employed people
Bill Dodwell, Tax Director, said:
The OTS could not do its work without the help and support of others both inside and outside government. We are grateful to Treasury Ministers for their active engagement and support, to all the many stakeholders in business and the profession who freely and openly provide their views, advice and time, and to the many individuals who have contributed to our work through surveys, emails and in other ways, and we are indebted to all OTS staff, past and present.
Notes for editors
The OTS is the independent adviser to government on simplifying the UK tax system, to make it easier for taxpayers; it does not implement changes - these are a matter for government and for Parliament.
The OTS works to improve the experience of all who interact with the tax system. It aims to reduce the administrative burden - which is what people encounter in practice - as well as looking to simplify rules, as simplification of the technical and administrative aspects of tax are each important, both to taxpayers and to HMRC. The OTS was initially formed in 2010 and put on a statutory footing in 2016.
The OTS is led by Chairman Kathryn Cearns OBE and Tax Director Bill Dodwell and has a small staff team drawn from HM Treasury, HMRC and the private sector.
Kathryn Cearns OBE took over from Angela Knight CBE as Chairman on 18 March 2019 and Bill Dodwell took over as Tax Director from Paul Morton on 14 January 2019.
Press enquiries only please contact Graham Dickson, OTS Press Officer Phone: 03000 585028