Office of Tax Simplification publishes 2020-21 Annual Report
Simplifying the tax system to make it easier for taxpayers.
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The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is the independent adviser to government on simplifying the UK tax system, to make it easier for taxpayers. Today it has published its fifth Annual Report, covering the year to 31 March 2021.
Kathryn Cearns, OBE, OTS Chairman, said:
This year has been another productive one for the OTS, with major reports published on Claims and Elections and Capital Gains Tax.
Looking ahead, we look forward to the completion of the current statutory 5-yearly review of the OTS and we will continue to make a full contribution to government thinking about the potential for tax reform and simplification, not least through its 10-year tax administration strategy.
The work of the OTS
The OTS is the first sustained endeavour in the world to bring a systematic and thoroughly researched approach to advising government on tax simplification.
It is in a unique position to highlight issues, stimulate debate and act as a catalyst for change, given its strong connections within government, its wide access to deep expertise outside of government and its independent voice.
The past year has been productive, despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, with an online event to mark the OTS’s 10th anniversary and major reports on Claims and Elections and Capital Gains Tax, and with further reports published since March 2021.
Bill Dodwell, Tax Director, said:
The OTS could not do its work without the help and support of others both inside and outside government. We continue to be grateful to Treasury Ministers for their active engagement and support, together with officials from the Treasury and HMRC, and to all the many stakeholders in business and the profession who freely and openly provide their views, advice and time. We very much value the contributions we have received from individuals, who support our work through surveys, emails and in other ways, and we are indebted to all OTS staff, past and present.
Notes for editors
The OTS is the independent adviser to government on simplifying the UK tax system, to make it easier for taxpayers; it does not implement changes - these are a matter for government and for Parliament.
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 looking to simplify rules, as simplification of the technical and administrative aspects of tax are each important, both to taxpayers and to HMRC. The OTS was initially formed in 2010 and put on a statutory footing in 2016.
The OTS is led by Chairman Kathryn Cearns OBE and Tax Director Bill Dodwell and has a small staff team drawn from HM Treasury, HMRC and the private sector.
Press enquiries only please contact Julie Gillespie, OTS Press Officer Phone: 03000 585028