I took comfort from HMRC's Autumn stakeholder conference on compliance. It was even entertaining at times when the chairman, Teresa Graham, threatened to zap speakers who spoke too long with an electronic gadget (it didn't work!), as HMRC promises to target those who need to feel its heavy hand, while others will get its support to comply. HMRC wants to support taxpayers and their behaviour, be fair and even-handed, so taxpayers have confidence in the operation. The keynote address was given by David Gauke, MR Treasury secretary, who gave credit to businesses and individuals in the UK saying that most pay their tax when due and do contribute to the UK economy, confirming that it is the minority who refuse to pay by avoiding and evading.
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