Don't ignore the taxmans demand's

Date: 22/02/16

Don't ignore the taxmans demand's

Businesses are warned not to ignore accelerated payment notices (APNs) from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), after the department revealed that it raised more than £2 billion from the scheme in 2015.

APNs were introduced in 2014 to recover disputed tax and HMRC can issue notices to demand tax that it believes it is owed.

Taxpayers who receive an APN have 90 days to pay HMRC the outstanding tax, but can only receive the amount back if they can prove in a tribunal that the disputed amount is not due. 

Figures from 2014 and 2015 show that HMRC have an 80 per cent success rate when APN cases go to court. 

Ignoring an APN and hoping it will go away is simply not an option. Failing to pay within the 90 days will only lead to more significant penalties being issued on top of the tax owed.

While HMRC does have a high success rate, in around 20 per cent of cases people have been able to prove that the amount of tax due is either less or doesn’t exist at all and they have had their money refunded.

Careful tax planning could help to eliminate the chance of ever receiving an APN and encouraged businesses and individuals to seek professional help if they were unsure about their own financial affairs.

If you would like to know more about tax compliance and planning services, please contact James Cornthwaite at the office.


James Cornthwaite FCA CTA

Author: James Cornthwaite FCA CTA

A former pupil at St Aidan’s C of E High School, James attended Blackpool Sixth Form College and Lancaster University, graduating in 2004, gaining BSc. first class honours. He joined Moore and Smalley, Preston in 2005 and qualified as a...

Read More

Share this article:


0 Comment


Nobody has commented yet. Why not add one?

Add your Comment

We have the ability to edit and/or delete posts and comments. Links should be relevant to the topics. Please note all comments are subject to review before inclusion.


Register to comment


Arrange your free consultation

We offer a free, no obligation consultation with one of our experienced advisors to discuss all your business and accounting requirements. Complete the request form and one of our friendly advisors will be in touch shortly to arrange your consultation.

Arrange Now

Memberships & Accreditations

When appointing a firm of accountants it is important to check that they are appropriately registered and regulated.

Our clients can be assured that Scott & Wilkinson is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities and is an authorised training partner.