OTS to explore potential for moving the end of the tax year
OTS outlines scope of a review about the potential for moving the end of the tax year
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Details
Today the OTS has published a document setting out the scope of a new high-level exploration of the benefits, costs and wider implications of changing the date of the end of the tax year for individuals.
The review will focus on the implications of moving the tax year end date from 5 April to 31 March.
This is both the end of a calendar quarter and the nearest month end date to the end of the current tax year. It is also the UK financial year end date, to which the UK government makes up its own accounts, and by reference to which corporation tax rates apply.
As well as considering the implications of changing the tax year end to 31 March, the review will also consider potential alternative approaches to addressing practical issues connected with the UK’s tax year running to 5 April.
In addition, the OTS will outline the main additional broader issues, costs and benefits that would need to be considered if the end of the tax year were moved to 31 December.
Notes for editors
The OTS is the independent adviser to government on tax simplification, challenging tax complexity to help all users of the tax system; it does not implement changes - these are a matter for government and for Parliament.
The OTS has initiated this work in the context of HMRC’s current call for evidence on reforming the tax administration framework.
The OTS works to improve the experience of all who interact with the tax system. It aims to reduce the administrative burden - which is what people encounter in practice - as well as simplifying the rules. Simplification of the technical and administrative aspects of tax are each important, both to taxpayers and HMRC.