The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Policy Bi-Monthly Newsletter – September 2016
Office of Tax Simplification: new board members announced 2 September 2016
Three new non-executive directors have been appointed to the Board of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS).
Paul Johnson (Director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies), John Cullinane (Tax Policy Director at the Chartered Institute of Taxation) and Kathleen Russ (Head of Tax at Travers Smith) will provide further guidance, support and breadth of knowledge to the OTS board.
They join existing board members, though Adam Broke, who has been a member of the OTS board since the OTS’s inception, will be stepping down from the board.
The OTS was established in 2010 to provide advice to the Chancellor on simplifying the UK tax system and was made a permanent, independent office of HM Treasury in July 2015. It is being put on a statutory footing in the Finance Bill 2016.
To date, the government has implemented almost 200 OTS recommendations to simplify the tax system.
Read the full press release on GOV.UK
HMRC Protecting customer data with 2 Step verification 12 September 2016
One main priority for HMRC as we move ever faster to a ‘digital by default’ tax administration is the protection of customer data and from 29th March 2016, HMRC have provided 2 Step Verification.
2 Step Verification provides an extra layer of security and requires a mobile or landline phone for customers using digital tax accounts.
The service has allowed customers to link their mobile or landline phone to their Tax Account login details. This means, when a customer logs in, HMRC will either text them or send them an automated message with a code which, once entered will enable them to gain access to their Tax Account.
If customers lose their phone or change number, 2 Step Verification can be reset by ringing the Online Services Helpdesk. This process helps to protect their account against fraud.
In July HMRC implemented 2 Step Verification for all Personal Tax customers and all business customers enrolled in Self Assessment.
Over the coming months HMRC will begin to provide 2 Step Verification to other heads of duty including, VAT, Corporation Tax, employer PAYE and also to Agents.
HMRC believe that the provision of this service will bring a number of benefits for customers:
“ 1. Security . We know that criminals attempt to use stolen log-in details to access and exploit customers’ Tax Accounts. Without the registered mobile or landline phone, they are far less likely to succeed.
2. It’s easy . Many of our customers already use 2 Step Verification in other walks of life. It is commonly used across internet banking and e-mail services.
To use the service, all customers have to do is simply follow the on-screen steps, with either a mobile or landline phone to hand.
Businesses will need to ensure that, if more than one individual uses the account ID, they create new users within their account via our delegation tool. This is a simple process and stops authorised individuals from being locked out of the account. We are working with the professional bodies to ensure our solution fits the needs of the agent community and will keep you informed on this.”
Keep an eye out for updates as plans change and the service expands that will be available via further information on GOV.UK.
cipp.org.uk
Page 36 of 80
Made with FlippingBook Online document