Tax clampdown

Solicitors providing tax planning services could face greater scrutiny from both HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA warned this week that schemes previously deemed legitimate may no longer be accepted. Where solicitors have advised on schemes later judged to be illegal by HMRC and the courts, the SRA says it will see this as evidence of misconduct.

The SRA said it will also act if it sees evidence of a lack of integrity in a solicitor’s dealings with HMRC.