Getting the Deal Through: Tax Controversy 2018 - United Kingdom

The legislation governing the administration of, and the process for dealing with disputes relating to, tax is not located in a single statute. For example, the Taxes Management Act 1970 contains rules for the administration of direct taxes on individuals, the Finance Act 1998 contains rules for the administration of corporate income tax and the Value Added Tax Act 1994 contains rules for the administration of value added tax (VAT). In addition to being found in primary legislation, rules relating to tax administration and tax controversies are also found in secondary regulations. These regulations include rules relating to particular taxes, such as the Value Added Tax Regulations 1995, but also the rules governing how disputes are brought before the UK tax tribunals, such as The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 2009. The UK tax authority also publishes guidance that, although not binding, sets out its approach to certain issues. International legislation and treaties, including double tax treaties (of which the UK has an extensive network) and EU law, may also bind taxpayers and the UK tax authority. In addition to the legislation and treaties described above, decisions of the UK and EU courts are also binding on taxpayers and the UK tax authority.

This publication is reproduced with permission from Law Business Research Ltd. Getting the Deal Through: Tax Controversy 2018 (published in September 2017; contributing editor: Richard Jeens, Slaughter and May). For further information please visit www.gettingthedealthrough.com.