Tagged as a clampdown on the so-called ‘enablers’, the government is planning to introduce tough penalties for advisers who supposedly flaunt the law and advise on questionable tax planning schemes, which contravene HMRC’s interpretation of existing rules. The move has been met with concern across the profession and is seen as an attack on everyday tax advisory work.

The proposal follows the announcement at Budget 2016 that the government would be exploring ways to influence the behaviour of promoters and other intermediaries, including agents, independent financial advisers (IFAs), financial institutions and, not withstanding, anyone else in the supply chain for tax planning services.