The Tax Track
In this podcast series from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, experts from the Tax Faculty discuss the biggest tax stories of the month, with advice for professionals in the sector to keep their knowledge and skills sharp.
The Tax Track
Challenging times for HMRC and agents
July was a busy month for HMRC as it published its annual accounts and report for 2024/25, along with its transformation roadmap and draft legislation for Finance Bill 2025/26.
In this episode of The Tax Track we look at the challenges HMRC faces, from improving its services to taxpayers and agents to closing the tax gap; its plans for new and improved digital services; and the possible implications of the proposed changes for agents in particular as MTD and agent registration begin to take effect.
Links
- HMRC continues to miss performance targets https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/hmrc-continues-to-miss-performance-targets
- Tax gap falls slightly as a percentage of tax liabilities https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jun-2025/tax-gap-falls-slightly-as-a-percentage-of-tax-liabilities
- HMRC promises new digital solutions for taxpayers and agents https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/hmrc-promises-new-digital-solutions-for-taxpayers-and-agents
- Have your say on draft Finance Bill legislation https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/have-your-say-on-draft-finance-bill-legislation
- ICAEW reiterates concerns about MTD threshold reduction
https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/icaew-reiterates-concerns-about-mtd-threshold-reduction
Panellists
- Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEW
- Frank Haskew, Head of Taxation Strategy, ICAEW
- Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEW
Producer: Ed Adams
Episode recorded 24 July 2025
Episode published 1 August 2025