HMRC has published a consultation document on the detailed design of the government’s proposal to make banks’ compensation payments non-deductible for corporation tax purposes, for comment by 29 May 2015

The government has tweaked the rules for the new tax relief for for orchestral performance to extend qualifying bodies, by inculding definition of the 'performance',  a flexible approach to pop and rock music in an orchestral setting, and separate rates for touring and non-touring performances

HMRC has published draft legislation and explanatory notes amending the rules for the tax-advantaged venture capital schemes, although the new rules will not come into force in this month's Finance Bill due to the lack of time for consultation

An extension to the consultation on the tax treatment of travel and subsistence expenses published on gov.uk, the central government information portal, has created confusion 

An overview of ongoing HMRC consultations including non-doms – minimum claim period for remittance basis charge, strengthening sanctions for tax avoidance and a discussion document on changes to HMRC penalties

The government has added a materiality threshold for clearance to draft banking reform pensions regulations, and removed the reporting requirements on trustees, following feedback from a consultation on the draft regulations. It also plans to monitor transitional tax protection issues arising from these regulations

The Welsh government is consulting on the structure and rates for a new land transaction tax to replace stamp duty in Wales, the first new tax to be levied in Wales for 800 years, following the recommendations of the Silk Commission for greater devolved powers

HMRC has signalled it may be considering a more lenient approach towards people who are late sending in their self assessment income tax return, by removing the £100 penalty for missing the deadline for those who have made a genuine effort to get the information in on time but have slipped up 

HMRC has published a consultation document outlining a number of improvements to the way the tax authorities apply penalties for failure to pay or meet deadlines for returns or registration in light of the continuing move towards digital tax returns.

The latest open HMRC consultations on employment intermediaries and expenses, tax enquiry closure rules and non-inventory linked ports

The government is planning to introduce harsher penalties and sanctions for serial users of tax avoidance schemes