A row has brewed up over the definition of a "professional adviser".
Accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young has said the initiative announced by HM Revenue & Customs, where taxpayers would be exempt from fines it they showed "reasonable care" when completing returns, could alienate the high street
accountant.
Simon Neward, VAT partner for the firm, told the Telegraph that HMRC's definition means taking advice from a
tax professional, which excludes a number of working accountants.
"The 'reasonable care' clause was clearly not given proper consideration and is causing much confusion rather than making things easier," he added.
HMRC has issued a statement saying that it has not specified that an advisor needs "certain qualifications" and reiterated that each person "has the responsibility to take reasonable care".
Marc Shoffman from the Federation of Small Businesses recently said the government needs to do more to promote the tax savings Rate Relief Scheme to businesses.
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