12. HMRC has double standards

Yes, it’s one rule for you and another for them.

When you are investigated HMRC want to see every single taxi receipt, train and bus ticket claimed as an expense. However in the unlikely event that a celebrity, a Royal, an MP or a HMRC employee is the subject of an investigation HMRC does not require the same vigourous level of documentation.

Indeed in many cases HMRC will simply take the word of the individual that what they say is correct.

The Telegraph reports, “Each MP claims an average of £135,850 a year in expenses – a total of £87.6 million. They only have to produce receipts for items of more than £250.” Sweet deal!

As for HMRC themselves, well Clive Gawthorpe, a UHY Hacker Young partner, says: “Accountants who frequently face challenges over expenses for as little as £10 will find it ironic that HMRC runs such a liberal ‘no questions asked’ system for its own employees.”

Celebrities, Royals and MPs also enjoy a greater layer of security under a ‘two tier’ system. This suggests that the security they offer everybody else is – err – not that secure. See The Times HMRC sets up secret tax system for society elite.