PCG – the Voice of Freelancing today welcomed the launch of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) announced by the Exchequer Minister David Gauke MP at the Treasury this morning.  The OTS is made up of independent experts and will make recommendations to Government on simplifying the tax system.  The setting up of this body had been promised in the Budget and PCG is delighted that the Government has been so prompt in making good on this commitment.

PCG are further encouraged by the appointment of the Rt Hon Michael Jack, a former Conservative Treasury minister, and John Whiting from the Chartered Institute of Taxation, to lead the OTS.  Both Mr Jack and Mr Whiting will bring great knowledge and experience to the body.

John Brazier, PCG’s Managing Director, said, “We are delighted that the Government has now set up this vital office and that they have already set out the terms of reference for a Small Business Tax Simplification Review,  including IR35. The fact that IR35 has been highlighted as a priority is good news. We will be working to ensure that this iniquitous tax will go and that all freelancers and small businesses will be able to operate within a fairer and more transparent tax system.”

IR35 was introduced by the last Government as a so-called anti-avoidance measure; however it has been widely condemned by the freelance and contracting community for its extraordinary complexity and unfairness.  PCG was originally formed as a response to IR35 and has campaigned hard on this issue ever since.  

The OTS, as part of their review into small business taxation, will be tasked with identifying fairer alternatives to IR35.  PCG will be submitting evidence to the review.

Note to editors:

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is an independent body comprised of tax experts.

The OTS has no legislative power; rather it will make recommendations to Ministers

The OTS was first revealed as a Conservative policy in ‘Making Taxes Simpler’ (July 2008): a working party report headed up by Lord Howe.

The Coalition Government committed to set up the OTS in the emergency budget papers (June 2010)

PCG is an independent not-for-profit professional association representing freelancers.

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