Neil MacGillivray: Is government winning the tax avoidance battle?

Avoidance, evasion and non-compliance

clock • 4 min read

The days of the more aggressive forms of tax avoidance arrangements appear to be coming to an end but with victory in sight, warns Neil MacGillivray, HMRC is showing no sign of letting up its efforts

As part of the Spring Statement, the government issued a policy paper, headed Tackling tax avoidance, evasion, and other forms of non-compliance, which set out its approach and achievements in tackling these issues. The paper reveals some interesting facts and clearly demonstrates HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is making significant headway. It is hard to believe that, since 2010, more than 100 measures have been introduced to tackle these areas. The changes, alongside HMRC's compliance work, have secured and protected some £200bn in tax revenue which would not have otherwise been paid. Whi...

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

Pensions and IHT - is gifting the best option?

Pensions and IHT - is gifting the best option?

‘Advice will be more valuable than ever’

Lisa Webster
clock 22 August 2025 • 3 min read
'Still time' to reconsider IHT/pensions as receipts continue climb

'Still time' to reconsider IHT/pensions as receipts continue climb

But government likely to ‘stubbornly stick’ with proposals, expert says

Jen Frost
clock 21 August 2025 • 3 min read
Financial 'complexities' deterring wealthy families from leaving charitable legacies

Financial 'complexities' deterring wealthy families from leaving charitable legacies

Advisers urged to guide clients as IHT benefits of giving remain underused

Sahar Nazir
clock 20 August 2025 • 2 min read