Policy News Journal - 2011-2012

14 November 2011 The government have published their response to the call for evidence on integrating the operation of tax and NICs published in July of this year. The government ran a call for evidence which was published in July 2011and responses to this confirmed the appetite for reform from employers, tax and payroll professionals. Responses also showed the need to progress with sufficient care, working alongside stakeholders to identify options that will meet these objectives. Stakeholders have emphasised the need for an open approach, requesting that the government sets out its plans at each stage. The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) recommended that the government set out a timetable for reform and commence work by the end of 2011. This paper addresses that recommendation and summarises the results of the call for evidence, sets out some objectives and principles for reform and an indicative timetable for consultation and implementation. It also explains some of the challenges that must be overcome if reform is to succeed. There is much work to be done to identify and explore options, and to confirm that the benefits of integration exceed the potential upheaval of getting there. The government are establishing a number of working groups to help them. In this area, as with many aspects of tax reform, a consultative and deliberate approach is desirable. Subject to the outcome of this work, at Budget 2012 the government will provide an update on progress, including the timetable (see below) for further rounds of detailed and extensive consultation on any proposed options. Your CIPP Policy team will of course be actively involved in the consultation process and will

as ever be asking for your valued input. Table 5.A: Indicative timetable for reform Date

Activity

Winter 2011/12

Working groups including key stakeholders develop detailed proposals on how reform can be achieved High level options identified; timetable for consultation confirmed Stage 1 consultation seeks comments on the high level options for reform Stage 2 consultation refines options and seeks comments on a narrower set of more detailed proposals Detail of reforms decided and announced Legislation drafted, consulted upon and then taken through Parliament Systems changes within government; employers prepare for new system

Budget 2012

Spring 2012

Autumn 2012

Budget 2013

2013-15

2015-17

Around 2017

Reforms come into effect

SELF EMPLOYED NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS – VIEWS SOUGHT

11 January 2012 As part of HM Treasury/HMRC’s work on aligning the operation of income tax and National Insurance contributions, they are seeking information on self employed NICs. They are particularly interested in hearing from payroll professionals and accountants with experience of Class 2 and Class 4 NICs, and from self employed individuals themselves.

CIPP Policy News Journal

09/10/2012, Page 118 of 234

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