MPs criticise HMRC 'failure to get tough on rich'

Have called for tougher approach on taxing richest

clock • 2 min read

MPs have called for a tougher approach on taxing the super-rich in a scathing new report.

Failure to get tough with the country's richest was undermining confidence in the whole tax system, they said in a report by the Commons Public Accounts committee. The MPs accused HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of creating the impression there was "one rule for the rich and another for everyone else", Sky News reported. In 2009 HMRC set up a specialist unit to deal with high net worth individuals in order to better understand how they managed their taxes. Committee chairman Meg Hillier told Sky News: "What we found was that since 2009 the amount of tax paid by the wealthiest actua...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

CGT: A stealth tax representing advice opportunity

CGT: A stealth tax representing advice opportunity

'The sharpest sense of grievance may be among business owners'

Andrew Aldridge
clock 12 August 2026 • 8 min read
The forgotten side of IHT planning: Giving clients permission to enjoy their wealth

The forgotten side of IHT planning: Giving clients permission to enjoy their wealth

'I believe IHT planning is becoming as much about psychology as legislation'

Lee Quinn
clock 11 August 2026 • 4 min read
Advisers urged to review legacy files after Court of Appeal IHT ruling

Advisers urged to review legacy files after Court of Appeal IHT ruling

HMRC is considering its next steps

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 July 2026 • 4 min read