The Tax Track

On 6 April 2025, the longstanding rules for UK-resident, non-UK domiciled individuals – non-doms – were abolished and replaced with a new regime for foreign income and gains (FIG) that is based on residence. The abolition of domicile as a concept is one of the biggest changes in taxation for many years. In this episode of The Tax Track, we'll get behind the headlines and consider the pros and cons of the new rules.LinksEconomy explainers: what is the non-dom regime? (valid up to 5/4/25) https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/sep-2024/non-dom-regime-explainedResidence and FIG Regime Manual https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/residence-and-fig-regime-manual PanellistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWKatherine Ford, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWAdelle Greenwood, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWProducer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 30 May 2025Podcast recorded: 19 May 2025

What do marshmallows and hair transplants have in common? Yes, they've both been subject to recent court cases regarding VAT treatment. And yes, this episode of The Tax Track is all about VAT.As well as examining issues with VAT borderlines, we talk about the prospects for reform, look forward to the Institute's forthcoming VAT conference and discuss the pros and cons of e-invoicing.LinksHow to fix VAT https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/vat/how-to-fix-vat Progressive VAT: is now the time? https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/oct-2024/progressive-vat-is-now-the-timeE-invoicing to be mandatory for EU VAT by 2030https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/nov-2024/e-invoicing-to-be-mandatory-for-eu-vat-by-2030How to fix VAT Conference ttps://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/events/vat-conferencePanellistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWEd Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, VAT and Customs, ICAEWStephen Dale, Chair, ICAEW VAT and Duties CommitteeProducer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 30 April 2025Podcast recorded: 22 April 2025

Ownership of cryptoassets may be on the rise, but many myths persist when it comes to how they taxed. This episode looks at how accountants can help clients to meet their tax obligations.We look at the tax treatment of cryptoassets and discuss what HMRC is doing to improve compliance and raise awareness, from adding a new box in the tax return to implementing the cryptoasset reporting framework.LinksThe basics of taxing cryptoassets https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/the-basics-of-taxing-cryptoassets VAT on cryptoassets https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/vat-on-cryptoassetsCryptoassets: international tax issueshttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/cryptoassets-international-tax-issuesWhat's CARF got to do with it?https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2025/whats-carf-got-to-do-with-it TAXguide 01/2024: Taxation of cryptoassets for individualshttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxguides/2024/taxguide-01-24   TAXguide 01/2024: Taxation of cryptoassets for businesseshttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxguides/2024/taxguide-02-24 PanellistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWRichard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Business Taxation, ICAEWDion Seymour, Crypto and Digital Asset Technical Director, Andersen Producer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 1 April 2025Podcast recorded: 24 March 2025

Maintaining high professional standards is essential, both for individual accountants and for the profession as a whole. This episode of The Tax Track looks at the importance of protecting your professional reputation and, importantly, what members can do to ensure they get things right in the first place.Tax is complicated – and constantly changing – so CPD is important, as well as being an integral part of your ICAEW membership. Meanwhile, Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation (PCRT), prepared jointly by seven professional bodies and associations (including ICAEW) and endorsed by HMRC, sets out the fundamental principles and standards for tax planning that all members, affiliates and students who practise in tax must follow.LinksWhat is Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation? https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/feb-2025/what-is-professional-conduct-in-relation-to-taxationProfessional Conduct in Relation to Taxation: a tax perspective on ethics https://www.icaew.com/regulation/regulatory-news/regulatory-news-nov-2024/professional-conduct-in-relation-to-taxationICAEW Regulatory and Conduct Annual Report https://www.icaew.com/regulation/icaew-regulatory-and-conduct-annual-reportPanelistsLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWSophie Wales, Director of Regulatory Policy, ICAEWKatherine Ford, Technical Manager, Business Taxation, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsEpisode first published: 11 February 2025Podcast recorded: 25 February 2025

In recent years we've seen changes to the rules, to processes and to HMRC's approach to policing claims for research and development (R&D) tax relief. In this episode we map out the current landscape to help you navigate your way through it.In an attempt to clamp down on fraud, more R&D claims are being checked, but is this deterring genuine claims? We also look at a new HMRC facility to disclose errors made in claims – who can disclose, how to disclose and the points to consider in determining whether or not a claim is correct.LinksFollow the numbers: R&D tax reliefhttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2025/follow-the-numbers-r-and-d-tax-reliefWhat is R&D for tax purposes?https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/what-is-r-and-d-for-tax-purposesDisclosing errors in claims for research and development tax reliefhttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jan-2025/disclosing-errors-in-claims-for-research-and-development-tax-relief R&D: what changes apply and from when?https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/r-and-d-what-changes-apply-and-from-when MPs briefed on HMRC's R&D compliance approachhttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/sep-2024/mps-briefed-on-hmrcs-r-and-d-compliance-approachSoftware project qualified for R&D tax reliefhttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/software-project-qualified-for-r-and-d-tax-relief PanelistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWRichard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Business Taxation, ICAEWAngela Clegg, Technical Manager, Business Taxation, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsEpisode first published: 5 February 2025Podcast recorded: 28 January 2025

Two significant changes will take place from April 2026: Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT) and mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind. While April 2026 is over a year away, these changes will require a lot of planning including how workflows and information flows will need to change. MTD IT will require many individuals to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC, while mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind will see the end of the form P11D process for many employers. In this episode we look at what taxpayers and their agents can do in the coming months to prepare.LinksGovernment and developers commit to MTD ITSA from 2026https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/nov-2024/government-and-developers-commit-to-mtd-itsa-from-2026MTD: what you should do nowhttps://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/mtd-what-you-should-do-now Making Tax Digitalhttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/making-tax-digitalPros and cons of payrolling benefitshttps://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/pros-and-cons-of-payrolling-benefits How to prepare for mandatory payrolling of benefits in kindhttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/how-to-prepare-for-mandatory-payrolling-of-benefits-in-kindPayrolling Benefits and Expenses webinarhttps://events.icaew.com/pd/29313/payrolling-benefits-and-expensesPanellistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWCaroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager, Digital Taxation, ICAEWAdelle Greenwood, Technical Manager, Employment Taxes and National Insurance Contributions, ICAEWProducer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 7 January 2025Podcast recorded: 17 December 2024

Bookended by a Conservative Budget in the spring and a Labour Budget in the autumn, 2024 was a busy year in politics and in tax. In this episode of The Tax Track, we reflect on key measures from the recent Budget and consider areas that kept us busy during 2024 and will do again in 2025, including regulation of tax agents and HMRC service levels.LinksAutumn Budget 2024https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/autumn-budget-2024Tax regulation: change must be in the public interesthttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/may-2024/tax-regulation-change-must-be-in-the-public-interest MTD income tax self assessmenthttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/making-tax-digital/mtd-guidance/mtd-and-income-taxHMRC on holdhttps://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/hmrc-on-holdPanellistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy, ICAEWFrank Haskew, Head of Taxation Strategy, ICAEWProducer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 2 December 2024Podcast recorded: 19 November 2024

In this episode we'll be talking about the problems with VAT and why ICAEW is launching a new campaign, How to Fix VAT.Introduced in the UK some 50 years ago, VAT is now the UK's third largest source of tax revenue, behind income tax and national insurance contributions. But, it can be costly and complicated to comply with, and that's despite previous efforts at simplification.LinksThe complicated and costly world of VAThttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/oct-2024/the-complicated-and-costly-world-of-vat The ups and downs of the VAT registration thresholdhttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/sep-2024/the-ups-and-downs-of-the-vat-registration-threshold Progressive VAT: is now the time?https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/oct-2024/progressive-vat-is-now-the-timePanellistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWEd Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, VAT and customs, ICAEWRuth Corkin, Principal, VAT and Indirect Tax Advisory, Hillier HopkinsProducerEd AdamsEpisode first published: 29 October 2024Podcast recorded: 22 October 2024

The abolition of the furnished holiday lettings (FHL) rules from April 2025 was announced in the Spring Budget. Following the general election, the Labour government confirmed that it would proceed with the measure, and provided more details in the form of draft legislation, an explanatory note and a policy paper. While some of the detail may change as the legislation is finalised, there will be tax implications for those affected – we discuss the potential issues.LinksWhy furnished holiday let owners are facing higher tax billshttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/why-furnished-holiday-let-owners-are-facing-higher-tax-billsICAEW calls again for FHL brightline testhttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/sep-2024/icaew-calls-again-for-fhl-brightline-testHMRC rejects ‘brightline' test for furnished holiday lets (FHLs)https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/may-2024/hmrc-rejects-brightline-test-for-furnished-holiday-lets-fhlsPanellistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWKatherine Ford, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsEpisode first published: 2 October 2024Podcast recorded: 24 September 2024

Making Tax Digital income tax self assessment (MTD ITSA) will start in April 2026 for the self-employed and those with income from property with gross income of more than £50,000. It has been described as the biggest change to affect tax agents and their clients since 1996/97 when self assessment was introduced. This episode of The Tax Track looks at what agents need to do now to ensure that their practice and their clients are ready.Discussing the issues involved are Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEW; Caroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager, Digital Taxation, ICAEW; and Rebecca Benneyworth MBE FCA, sole practitioner and tax speaker.LinksMaking Tax Digital www.icaew.com/mtd PanellistsLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWCaroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager, Digital Taxation, ICAEWRebecca Benneyworth MBE FCA, founder, Rebecca Benneyworth & Co, tax speaker, writer and consultant, and deputy chair of the Tax Faculty's Technical and Oversight CommitteeProducer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 29 August 2024Podcast recorded: 20 August 2024

Basis period reform is an important issue at the moment, with 2023/24 a transitional year. We look at the impact of this for businesses filling in their tax returns.Where an individual's accounting date deviates from the tax year, there are additional boxes to complete on the tax return for 2023/24, and quite likely additional tax to pay too.The team also gazes into the Tax Faculty crystal ball to predict what might be in the first Budget of the new Labour government, now scheduled to take place on 30 October.This month's experts are Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy at ICAEW; Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax; and Richard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy. LinksTAXguide 02/22: Basis Period Reformhttps://www.icaew.com/-/media/corporate/files/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxguides/2022/taxguide-0222-basis-period-reform.ashx Basis period reform begins to bite https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/basis-period-reform-begins-to-bite Tax gap closes as a percentage of tax liabilitieshttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/jun-2024/tax-gap-closes-as-a-percentage-of-tax-liabilities What might we see in the next budget? https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/jul-2024/what-might-we-see-in-the-next-budget Budget to be delivered on 30 October https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/jul-2024/budget-to-be-delivered-on-30-october Webinarhttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/webinars-and-recordings/tax-webinars/2024/basis-period-reform-update PodcastHMRC on hold https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/hmrc-on-hold PanellistsLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWRichard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWProducer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 31 July 2024Podcast recorded: 24 July 2024

A damning report from the National Audit Office in May this year concluded what many have long suspected, that customer service from HMRC is falling ‘far below' expected levels. In this episode of The Tax Track, we look at the problem, its impact and potential solutions.The figures are damning, with call waiting times soaring by over 350% over the past five years and just 67% of calls being answered. While HMRC is striving to resolve issues, circumstances beyond its control are holding back progress.Unpicking this thorny issue are Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy at ICAEW; Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax; and Caroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager, Digital Taxation. LinksThe Tax Track podcast: A taxing year aheadhttps://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/a-taxing-year-ahead HMRC halts decision to restrict helplineshttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/mar-2024/hmrc-halts-decision-to-restrict-helplinesIssue 114, agent updatehttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agent-update-issue-114/issue-114-of-agent-update#tipspostICAEW gives five reasons to use the HMRC apphttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/mar-2024/icaew-gives-five-reasons-to-use-the-hmrc-app NAO report – HMRC Customer servicehttps://www.nao.org.uk/reports/hmrc-customer-service/ PanellistsLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWCaroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager, Digital Taxation, ICAEW Producer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 2 July 2024Podcast recorded: 25 June 2024

In this episode of The Tax Track, we discuss HMRC's plans to mandate the payrolling of benefits in kind, and look at the implications of a recent tax case.With the payrolling of all benefits in kind set to be mandatory from 2025/26, we examine whether this really is the simplification it's meant to be, and what employers and agents can do now to smooth the way. Plus, a recent tax tribunal case highlighted the importance of documentation and how it can severely impact the amount of tax due.Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy at ICAEW, discusses the issues with Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, and Peter Bickley, Technical Manager, Tax. LinksIs it time for employers to start payrolling benefits and expenses? https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2023/is-it-time-for-employers-to-start-payrolling-benefits-and-expenses Payrolling Benefits and Expenses webinar, 16 October 2024 https://events.icaew.com/pd/29313/payrolling-benefits-and-expensesWorking out the date of disposal isn't always child's playhttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/working-out-the-date-of-disposal-isnt-always-childs-play  PanelLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWPeter Bickley, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEW ProducerEd AdamsEpisode first published: 30 May 2024Recording date: 20 May 2024

What is an associated company and how can this affect business taxation? This episode of The Tax Track looks at how to spot an associated company and apply the rules, particularly in relation to corporation tax.‘Associated' has a broad definition in tax terms, which can give rise to surprising results when it comes to family relationships and other businesses. As well as talking about how this affects the rate of corporation tax, and when corporation tax is payable, we also look at the impacts for other areas of business tax, including national insurance contributions, annual investment allowance and VAT disaggregation.Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy at ICAEW, discusses the issues with Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, and Angela Clegg, Technical Manager, Business Tax.LinksDon't forget associated companies, warns ICAEW Tax Facultyhttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/dont-forget-associated-companies-warns-icaew-tax-facultyTAXguide 02/23: Associated companieshttps://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxguides/2023/taxguide-02-23 Corporation Tax: small profits relief https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/company-taxation-manual/ctm03785 PanelLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWAngela Clegg, Technical Manager, Business Tax, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsEpisode first published: 29 April 2024Recording date: 22 April 2024

The Tax Track is the podcast series from ICAEW that explores the latest developments in the world of tax, and what they mean for members and tax professionals alike.  In this episode, we look at the implications behind the new tax measures introduced in the Spring Budget and delve into the new research and development tax reliefs that are coming into effect this month.This month Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy at ICAEW, is joined by colleagues Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, and Richard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy. LinksTax changes taking effect from April 2024https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/tax-changes-taking-effect-from-april-2024  Budget 2024: Does it change anything?https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/in-focus/budget-2024-does-it-change-anything R&D tax relief: what you need to knowhttps://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/resilience-and-renewal/r-and-d-tax-relief-what-you-need-to-know R&D: what changes apply and from when?https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/r-and-d-what-changes-apply-and-from-when  PanelLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWRichard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEW Producer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 4 April 2024Recording date: 25 March 2024

Why would a food producer argue that its product is not ready for human consumption? And why does the tax year start on 6 April? Find out the answers in the latest episode of The Tax Track podcast from ICAEW.  As the start of the new tax year approaches, we look at what's changing – and what's not – in personal and business taxation in the coming year. We also journey back in time to find out why the tax year starts when it does. When it comes to VAT rates, it seems some companies will put forward the most spurious of arguments to have a product zero rated. We take a look at recent case involving Walkers Sensations Poppadoms and whether or not they were more like a crisp than their namesake.This month's experts are Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy at ICAEW; Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax; and Ed Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, VAT and Customs.LinksTax changes taking effect from April 2024:https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/tax-changes-taking-effect-from-april-2024Align tax year end with calendar to improve tax administration, say practitioners:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2021/jul-2021/align-tax-year-end-with-calendar-to-improve-tax-administration-say-practitionersLessons from Ireland on changing the tax year:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2021/april-2021/lessons-from-ireland-on-changing-the-tax-yearOTS provides valuable insights on changing the tax year:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2021/sep-2021/ots-provides-valuable-insights-on-changing-the-tax-year A lightning bolt for the VAT Tour Operators Margin Scheme:https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/a-lightning-bolt-for-the-vat-tour-operators-margin-schemeVAT: the Christmas chocolate conundrum:https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2023/vat-the-christmas-chocolate-conundrumIs it time to make VAT simple?:https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/archive/taxline-2022/april-2022/is-it-time-to-make-vat-simpleICAEW launches manifesto: New government must act on economy:https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2024/feb-2024/next-government-must-act-to-renew-uk-economy-says-icaew PanellistsLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWEd Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, VAT and Customs, ICAEW ProducerEd Adams Episode first published: 29 February 2024 Podcast recorded: 21 February 2024

The Tax Track is the new podcast series from ICAEW where we explore the latest from the tax world, and what it means for tax professionals, accountants, taxpayers and businesses.  In this episode, we take a look at the wider implications of an unusual capital allowance case regarding camping pods that went to tribunal. You often hear the phrase, “it's what's on the inside that counts”. That certainly proved to be true in this case. We also discuss the changes that are being introduced to the cash basis this April and the potential implications for businesses of all sizes.This month's panellists are ICAEW's Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy; Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax; and Richard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy.  LinksCamping pods and capital allowances:https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/2024/articles/camping-pods-and-capital-allowancesChanges to the cash basis for traders:https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/2024/articles/changes-to-the-cash-basis-for-tradersCapital allowances webinar:https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/webinars-and-recordings/tax-webinars/2023/capital-allowancesChancellor confirms full expensing will be permanent:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2023/nov-2023/chancellor-confirms-full-expensing-will-be-permanent Expansion of cash basis for unincorporated businesses:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2023/nov-2023/expansion-of-cash-basis-for-unincorporated-businesses  PanellistsLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWRichard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEW Producer Ed AdamsEpisode first published: 1 February 2024Podcast recorded: 24 January 2024

The Tax Track is the new podcast series from ICAEW where we explore the latest from the tax world and what it means for tax professionals, accountants, taxpayers and businesses. In this first episode, we look ahead to what's coming down the line in 2024. Lindsey Wicks, ICAEW's Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy, talks about the forthcoming UK general election – a case of when, not if – and its potential impacts in terms of policies, timings, and the number of fiscal events throughout the year. Caroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager for Digital Taxation, talks about the thorny issue of HMRC service standards – what are the pressures on HMRC's services and how can they be alleviated? Finally, Frank Haskew, Head of Taxation Strategy, looks at the issue of tax agents and why the government considers there is a need for greater regulation and oversight to help prevent bad practices.LinksWhat's in store for 2024?https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/2024/articles/whats-in-store-for-2024ICAEW briefs MPs on key clauses ahead of Finance Bill debates:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2024/jan-2024/icaew-briefs-mps-on-key-clauses-ahead-of-finance-bill-debatesHMRC doubles down on redirecting callers to online services:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2023/dec-2023/hmrc-doubles-down-on-redirecting-callers-to-online-servicesHMRC service performance remains poor:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2023/nov-2023/hmrc-service-performance-remains-poorRegulation of the tax profession – is it the way forward?https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/archive/taxline/taxline-2022/september-2022/regulation-of-the-tax-profession-is-it-the-way-forwardHMRC acts on tax repayment agents:https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2023/dec-2023/hmrc-acts-on-tax-repayment-agentsTAXline – the latest content from ICAEW's Tax Faculty:https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline PanellistsLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy, ICAEWCaroline Miskin, Senior Technical Manager for Digital Taxation, ICAEWFrank Haskew, Head of Taxation Strategy, ICAEW Producer Ed Adams Episode first published: 11 January 2024Podcast recorded: 5 January 2024