HMRC bids to solve small firm disputes quicker

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ARD) scheme will use independent HMRC facilitators to resolve disputes between the Revenue and businesses during a compliance check but before any decisions or assessments are made. The ARD, which is being tested in North Wales and the North West, is an attempt to reduce costs for both taxpayers and HMRC and avoid tribunals. Jim Stevenson, assistant director of local compliance, said: "ADR is a good opportunity for HMRC to work together with our customers to potentially resolve disputes much earlier than at present. "We have found often there are...