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HMRC disputes backlog grows as new tax complaints soar
DISPUTES between taxpayers and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) hit a record high in the final quarter of 2011, according to new data out today, as the agency struggles to deal with a growing backlog of tribunal cases.
The three-month period saw 3,400 new cases – a quarterly high taking the year’s total to 11,000, sharply up from 2010’s 9,100 cases, figures from Pinsent Masons show.
“The increasing number of tribunal cases being heard is indicative of the pressure HMRC has been under to clamp down on tax avoidance and deliver extra revenue for the government during this period of tight public finances,” said partner Ian Hyde.