Tax body to dissolve shock bill write-offs

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is planning to amend rules that allow taxpayers to appeal against so-called shock bills.

This Is Money reports that the tax authority is set to rewrite the regulations, which have thus far seen underpayments totalling £54 million written off.

Under current rules, taxpayers can appeal to have underpaid levies cancelled if they can present themselves as having reasonably believed the right amount had been paid.

However, the amendment would transfer responsibility to taxpayers, forcing them to check their own code and issue notifications should their circumstances change.

If these checks are not carried out, shock bills will be unable to be appealed against.

Earlier in the week, it was revealed that a planned crackdown on taxation will see five-a-side football teams have to pay for their involvement in any sporting leagues.

"In these circumstances, it is necessary to establish the character of the overarching supply to determine whether it falls within the exemption," HMRC said of the initiative.