Inland Revenue - Tax ruling for unusual events

Inland Revenue - Tax ruling for unusual events

Didn't find your answer?

I telephoned the Revenue today with a non-standard query and looking for confirmation of my interpretation of their rules. I was passed around and upwards but despite being promised a return call, I am left with no answer.
This is no way to run the country's tax affairs ! Can anyone help ?
john nairne

Replies (4)

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By spike418
16th Feb 2005 13:41

unusual situation
I recently wrote to the Revenue in respect of an unusual situation which had occurred on a client. Property title had passed inadvertently to another member of the family some years back. I provided documentation of what had happened along with my interpretation and suggestions as to method of rectifying.

I received written confirmation from a local Inspector agreeing with my suggested solution and no CGT consequences if done quickly.

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By AnonymousUser
15th Feb 2005 13:29

Persevere
In my experience once past the call centre it is possible to be patched through to a local technical Inspector who I have always found to be very helpful. Like us all I guess they're busy and so might not have time to knock about hypothetical queries or perhaps forget to return calls. If it is a live query I would suggest that you try again

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By andymeeson
15th Feb 2005 09:54

Frustrating, but...
The Revenue in general has always shied away from answering hypothetical technical questions. (Their standard argument is that they aren't a free tax consultancy service).

This is why they permit post-transaction queries but (apart from certain statutory clearances) will not give pre-transaction rulings.

Certain specialist offices tend to be more forthcoming - I have always found SFO/PSO/SPSS, CTO and FICO to be quite good at answering questions of interpretation.

But, if your query belongs to the more generalist parts of the Revenue, you may be in for an uphill struggle to get an opinion out of them. Almost certainly you'll be told to do the transaction and then find out if it works.

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By listerramjet
15th Feb 2005 17:08

cynical or what?
in my experience they will give you conflicting advice, and when it turns out to be wrong they will deny everything.

they are they not a free consultancy; they are not a consultancy at all. their only interest in life is maximising tax revenues - whatever their "mission statement" might say.

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