Stay alert to malicious software, says HMRC 

HMRC has warned that agents are frequently targeted by criminals who attempt to trick them into downloading malicious software (malware). HMRC will suspend the agent’s account where it suspects that an agent has acquired malware on a device used for work, and that this has resulted in clients’ data being compromised.   

HMRC recommends that agents ensure that all software they use is up-to-date, check the status of their antivirus protection and avoid clicking links or downloading attachments in suspicious emails. HMRC has published guidance on how to stay safe online, recognise scams and report issues. 

HMRC’s P11D webinar 

HMRC is hosting a webinar on 27 June on using its PAYE online service to submit forms P11D and P11D(b). HMRC will give an overview of forms P11D and P11D(b), look at the benefits of submitting them online and consider the position for payrolling expenses and benefits. The webinar will not cover how to work out the value of benefits. ICAEW’s TAXguide 06/24 may help with the calculation of company car and associated benefits.  

IFS finds that tax has become more complicated 

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has published an assessment of the government’s record on tax between 2010 and 2024. The IFS notes that a common theme has been a move towards greater complexity. Since 2010, more than a dozen new taxes have been introduced and many existing taxes have been made more complicated. The IFS notes that, taken together, the changes have ‘made the tax system harder to understand and harder for taxpayers to navigate’. 

International tax round-up   

CFE Tax Advisers Europe (CFE) has published a summary of its top five tax developments for the period to 3 June 2024. This includes an OECD update on pillar one progress and a preliminary ruling given in a case concerning whether tax advice can generally be excluded from the protection afforded to legal professional privilege under EU law. CFE has issued a joint statement with other bodies calling for clearer VAT guidance on charitable donations for social and sustainability goals.