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PART 5U.K.General anti-abuse rule

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pt. 5 extended (with effect in accordance with s. 10(7) of the amending Act) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2014 (c. 7), s. 10(1) (with s. 10(7))

206General anti-abuse ruleU.K.

(1)This Part has effect for the purpose of counteracting tax advantages arising from tax arrangements that are abusive.

(2)The rules of this Part are collectively to be known as “the general anti-abuse rule”.

(3)The general anti-abuse rule applies to the following taxes—

(a)income tax,

(b)corporation tax, including any amount chargeable as if it were corporation tax or treated as if it were corporation tax,

(c)capital gains tax,

(d)petroleum revenue tax,

[F1(da)diverted profits tax,]

[F2(db)apprenticeship levy,]

(e)inheritance tax,

(f)stamp duty land tax, and

(g)annual tax on enveloped dwellings.

Textual Amendments

F1S. 206(3)(da) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 116(1) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2015 (c. 11), s. 115(1)

F2S. 206(3)(db) inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 104(2) (with s. 117)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 206(3) modified (with effect in accordance with s. 10(7) of the amending Act) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2014 (c. 7), s. 10(2) (with s. 10(7))

207Meaning of “tax arrangements” and “abusive”U.K.

(1)Arrangements are “tax arrangements” if, having regard to all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to conclude that the obtaining of a tax advantage was the main purpose, or one of the main purposes, of the arrangements.

(2)Tax arrangements are “abusive” if they are arrangements the entering into or carrying out of which cannot reasonably be regarded as a reasonable course of action in relation to the relevant tax provisions, having regard to all the circumstances including—

(a)whether the substantive results of the arrangements are consistent with any principles on which those provisions are based (whether express or implied) and the policy objectives of those provisions,

(b)whether the means of achieving those results involves one or more contrived or abnormal steps, and

(c)whether the arrangements are intended to exploit any shortcomings in those provisions.

(3)Where the tax arrangements form part of any other arrangements regard must also be had to those other arrangements.

(4)Each of the following is an example of something which might indicate that tax arrangements are abusive—

(a)the arrangements result in an amount of income, profits or gains for tax purposes that is significantly less than the amount for economic purposes,

(b)the arrangements result in deductions or losses of an amount for tax purposes that is significantly greater than the amount for economic purposes, and

(c)the arrangements result in a claim for the repayment or crediting of tax (including foreign tax) that has not been, and is unlikely to be, paid,

but in each case only if it is reasonable to assume that such a result was not the anticipated result when the relevant tax provisions were enacted.

(5)The fact that tax arrangements accord with established practice, and HMRC had, at the time the arrangements were entered into, indicated its acceptance of that practice, is an example of something which might indicate that the arrangements are not abusive.

(6)The examples given in subsections (4) and (5) are not exhaustive.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 207 modified (with effect in accordance with s. 10(7) of the amending Act) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2014 (c. 7), s. 10(3) (with s. 10(8)-(10))

208Meaning of “tax advantage”U.K.

A “tax advantage” includes—

(a)relief or increased relief from tax,

(b)repayment or increased repayment of tax,

(c)avoidance or reduction of a charge to tax or an assessment to tax,

(d)avoidance of a possible assessment to tax,

(e)deferral of a payment of tax or advancement of a repayment of tax, and

(f)avoidance of an obligation to deduct or account for tax.

209Counteracting the tax advantagesU.K.

(1)If there are tax arrangements that are abusive, the tax advantages that would (ignoring this Part) arise from the arrangements are to be counteracted by the making of adjustments.

(2)The adjustments required to be made to counteract the tax advantages are such as are just and reasonable.

(3)The adjustments may be made in respect of the tax in question or any other tax to which the general anti-abuse rule applies.

(4)The adjustments that may be made include those that impose or increase a liability to tax in any case where (ignoring this Part) there would be no liability or a smaller liability, and tax is to be charged in accordance with any such adjustment.

(5)Any adjustments required to be made under this section (whether by an officer of Revenue and Customs or the person to whom the tax advantage would arise) may be made by way of an assessment, the modification of an assessment, amendment or disallowance of a claim, or otherwise.

(6)But—

(a)no steps may be taken by an officer of Revenue and Customs by virtue of this section unless the procedural requirements of Schedule 43 [F3, 43A or 43B] have been complied with, and

(b)the power to make adjustments by virtue of this section is subject to any time limit imposed by or under any enactment other than this Part.

(7)Any adjustments made under this section have effect for all purposes.

[F4(8)Where a matter is referred to the GAAR Advisory Panel under paragraph 5 or 6 of Schedule 43, the taxpayer (as defined in paragraph 3 of that Schedule) must not make any GAAR-related adjustments in relation to the taxpayer's tax affairs in the period (the “closed period”) which—

(a)begins with the 31st day after the end of the 45 day period mentioned in paragraph 4(1) of that Schedule, and

(b)ends immediately before the day on which the taxpayer is given the notice under paragraph 12 of Schedule 43 (notice of final decision after considering opinion of GAAR Advisory Panel).

(9)Where a person has been given a pooling notice or a notice of binding under Schedule 43A in relation to any tax arrangements, the person must not make any GAAR-related adjustments in the period (“the closed period”) that—

(a)begins with the 31st day after that on which that notice is given, and

(b)ends—

(i)in the case of a pooling notice, immediately before the day on which the person is given a notice under paragraph 8(2) or 9(2) of Schedule 43A, or a notice under paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 43B, in relation to the tax arrangements (notice of final decision after considering opinion of GAAR Advisory Panel), or

(ii)in the case of a notice of binding, with the 30th day after the day on which the notice is given.

(10)In this section “GAAR-related adjustments” means—

(a)for the purposes of subsection (8), adjustments which give effect (wholly or in part) to the proposed counteraction set out in the notice under paragraph 3 of Schedule 43;

(b)for the purposes of subsection (9), adjustments which give effect (wholly or partly) to the proposed counteraction set out in the notice of pooling or binding (as the case may be).]

Textual Amendments

F3Words in s. 209(6)(a) inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 157(30) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 157(4)

F4S. 209(8)-(10) inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 158(15) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 158(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 209 modified (with effect in accordance with s. 10(7) of the amending Act) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2014 (c. 7), s. 10(4) (with s. 10(7))

[F5209AEffect of adjustments specified in a provisional counteraction noticeU.K.

(1)Adjustments made by an officer of Revenue and Customs which—

(a)are specified in a provisional counteraction notice given to a person by the officer (and have not been cancelled: see sections 209B to 209E),

(b)are made in respect of a tax advantage that would (ignoring this Part) arise from tax arrangements that are abusive, and

(c)but for section 209(6)(a), would have effected a valid counteraction of that tax advantage under section 209,

are treated for all purposes as effecting a valid counteraction of the tax advantage under that section.

(2)A “provisional counteraction notice” is a notice which—

(a)specifies adjustments (the “notified adjustments”) which the officer reasonably believes may be required under section 209(1) to counteract a tax advantage that would (ignoring this Part) arise to the person from tax arrangements;

(b)specifies the arrangements and the tax advantage concerned, and

(c)notifies the person of the person's rights of appeal with respect to the notified adjustments (when made) and contains a statement that if an appeal is made against the making of the adjustments—

(i)no steps may be taken in relation to the appeal unless and until the person is given a notice referred to in section 209F(2), and

(ii)the notified adjustments will be cancelled if HMRC fails to take at least one of the actions mentioned in section 209B(4) within the period specified in section 209B(2).

(3)It does not matter whether the notice is given before or at the same time as the making of the adjustments.

(4)In this section “adjustments” includes adjustments made in any way permitted by section 209(5).

Textual Amendments

F5Ss. 209A-209F inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 156(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 156(1)

209BNotified adjustments: 12 month period for taking action if appeal madeU.K.

(1)This section applies where a person (the “taxpayer”) to whom a provisional counteraction notice has been given appeals against the making of the notified adjustments.

(2)The notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled with effect from the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the provisional counteraction notice is given unless an action mentioned in subsection (4) is taken before that time.

(3)For the purposes of subsection (2) it does not matter whether the action mentioned in subsection (4)(c), (d) or (e) is taken before or after the provisional counteraction notice is given (but if that action is taken before the provisional counteraction notice is given subsection (5) does not have effect).

(4)The actions are—

(a)an officer of Revenue and Customs notifying the taxpayer that the notified adjustments are cancelled;

(b)an officer of Revenue and Customs giving the taxpayer written notice of the withdrawal of the provisional counteraction notice (without cancelling the notified adjustments);

(c)a designated HMRC officer giving the taxpayer a notice under paragraph 3 of Schedule 43 which—

(i)specifies the arrangements and the tax advantage which are specified in the provisional counteraction notice, and

(ii)specifies the notified adjustments (or lesser adjustments) as the counteraction that the officer considers ought to be taken (see paragraph 3(2)(c) of that Schedule);

(d)a designated HMRC officer giving the taxpayer a pooling notice or a notice of binding under Schedule 43A which—

(i)specifies the arrangements and the tax advantage which are specified in the provisional counteraction notice, and

(ii)specifies the notified adjustments (or lesser adjustments) as the counteraction that the officer considers ought to be taken;

(e)a designated HMRC officer giving the taxpayer a notice under paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 43B which—

(i)specifies the arrangements and the tax advantage which are specified in the provisional counteraction notice, and

(ii)specifies the notified adjustments (or lesser adjustments) as the counteraction that the officer considers ought to be taken.

(5)In a case within subsection (4)(c), (d) or (e), if—

(a)the notice under paragraph 3 of Schedule 43, or

(b)the pooling notice or notice of binding, or

(c)the notice under paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 43B,

(as the case may be) specifies lesser adjustments the officer must modify the notified adjustments accordingly.

(6)The officer may not take the action in subsection (4)(b) unless the officer was authorised to make the notified adjustments otherwise than under this Part.

(7)In this section “lesser adjustments” means adjustments which assume a smaller tax advantage than was assumed in the provisional counteraction notice.

Textual Amendments

F5Ss. 209A-209F inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 156(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 156(1)

209CNotified adjustments: case within section 209B(4)(c)U.K.

(1)This section applies if the action in section 209B(4)(c) (notice to taxpayer of proposed counteraction of tax advantage) is taken.

(2)If the matter is not referred to the GAAR Advisory Panel, the notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled with effect from the date of the designated HMRC officer's decision under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 43 unless the notice under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 43 states that the adjustments are not to be treated as cancelled under this section.

(3)A notice under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 43 may not contain the statement referred to in subsection (2) unless HMRC would have been authorised to make the adjustments if the general anti-abuse rule did not have effect.

(4)If the taxpayer is given a notice under paragraph 12 of Schedule 43 which states that the specified tax advantage is not to be counteracted under the general anti-abuse rule, the notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled unless that notice states that those adjustments are not to be treated as cancelled under this section.

(5)A notice under paragraph 12 of Schedule 43 may not contain the statement referred to in subsection (4) unless HMRC would have been authorised to make the adjustments if the general anti-abuse rule did not have effect.

(6)If the taxpayer is given a notice under paragraph 12 of Schedule 43 stating that the specified tax advantage is to be counteracted—

(a)the notified adjustments are confirmed only so far as they are specified in that notice as adjustments required to give effect to the counteraction, and

(b)so far as they are not confirmed, the notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled.

Textual Amendments

F5Ss. 209A-209F inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 156(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 156(1)

209DNotified adjustments: case within section 209B(4)(d)U.K.

(1)This section applies if the action in section 209B(4)(d) (pooling notice or notice of binding) is taken.

(2)If the taxpayer is given a notice under paragraph 8(2) or 9(2) of Schedule 43A which states that the specified tax advantage is not to be counteracted under the general anti-abuse rule, the notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled, unless that notice states that those adjustments are not to be treated as cancelled under this section.

(3)A notice under paragraph 8(2) or 9(2) of Schedule 43A may not contain the statement referred to in subsection (2) unless HMRC would have been authorised to make the adjustments if the general anti-abuse rule did not have effect.

(4)If the taxpayer is given a notice under paragraph 8(2) or 9(2) of Schedule 43A stating that the specified tax advantage is to be counteracted—

(a)the notified adjustments are confirmed only so far as they are specified in that notice as adjustments required to give effect to the counteraction, and

(b)so far as they are not confirmed, the notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled.

Textual Amendments

F5Ss. 209A-209F inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 156(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 156(1)

209ENotified adjustments: case within section 209B(4)(e)U.K.

(1)This section applies if the action in section 209B(4)(e) (notice of proposal to make generic referral) is taken.

(2)If the notice under paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 43B is withdrawn, the notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled unless the notice of withdrawal states that the adjustments are not to be treated as cancelled under this section.

(3)The notice of withdrawal may not contain the statement referred to in subsection (2) unless HMRC was authorised to make the notified adjustments otherwise than under this Part.

(4)If the taxpayer is given a notice under paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 43B, which states that the specified tax advantage is not to be counteracted under the general anti-abuse rule, the notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled, unless that notice states that those adjustments are not to be treated as cancelled under this section.

(5)A notice under paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 43B may not contain the statement referred to in subsection (4) unless HMRC was authorised to make the adjustments otherwise than under this Part.

(6)If the taxpayer is given a notice under paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 43B stating that the specified tax advantage is to be counteracted—

(a)the notified adjustments are confirmed only so far as they are specified in that notice as adjustments required to give effect to the counteraction, and

(b)so far as they are not confirmed, the notified adjustments are to be treated as cancelled.

Textual Amendments

F5Ss. 209A-209F inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 156(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 156(1)

209FAppeals against provisional counteractions: further provisionU.K.

(1)Subsections (2) to (5) have effect in relation to an appeal by a person (“the taxpayer”) against the making of adjustments which are specified in a provisional counteraction notice.

(2)No steps after the initial notice of appeal are to be taken in relation to the appeal unless and until the taxpayer is given—

(a)a notice under section 209B(4)(b),

(b)a notice under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 43 (notice of decision not to refer matter to GAAR advisory panel) containing the statement described in section 209C(2) (statement that adjustments are not to be treated as cancelled),

(c)a notice under paragraph 12 of Schedule 43,

(d)a notice under paragraph 8(2) or 9(2) of Schedule 43A, or

(e)a notice under paragraph 8 of Schedule 43B,

in respect of the tax arrangements concerned.

(3)The taxpayer has until the end of the period mentioned in subsection (4) to comply with any requirement to specify the grounds of appeal.

(4)The period mentioned in subsection (3) is the 30 days beginning with the day on which the taxpayer receives the notice mentioned in subsection (2).

(5)In subsection (2) the reference to “steps” does not include the withdrawal of the appeal.]

Textual Amendments

F5Ss. 209A-209F inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 156(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 156(1)

210Consequential relieving adjustmentsU.K.

(1)This section applies where—

(a)the counteraction of a tax advantage under section 209 is final, and

(b)if the case is not one in which notice of the counteraction was given under paragraph 12 of Schedule 43, [F6paragraph 8 or 9 of Schedule 43A or paragraph 8 of Schedule 43B,] HMRC have been notified of the counteraction by the taxpayer.

(2)A person has 12 months, beginning with the day on which the counteraction becomes final, to make a claim for one or more consequential adjustments to be made in respect of any tax to which the general anti-abuse rule applies.

(3)On a claim under this section, an officer of Revenue and Customs must make such of the consequential adjustments claimed (if any) as are just and reasonable.

(4)Consequential adjustments—

(a)may be made in respect of any period, and

(b)may affect any person (whether or not a party to the tax arrangements).

(5)But nothing in this section requires or permits an officer to make a consequential adjustment the effect of which is to increase a person's liability to any tax.

(6)For the purposes of this section—

(a)if the claim relates to income tax or capital gains tax, Schedule 1A to TMA 1970 applies to it;

(b)if the claim relates to corporation tax, Schedule 1A to TMA 1970 (and not Schedule 18 to FA 1998) applies to it;

(c)if the claim relates to petroleum revenue tax, Schedule 1A to TMA 1970 applies to it, but as if the reference in paragraph 2A(4) of that Schedule to a year of assessment included a reference to a chargeable period within the meaning of OTA 1975 (see section 1(3) and (4) of that Act);

(d)if the claim relates to inheritance tax it must be made in writing to HMRC and section 221 of IHTA 1984 applies as if the claim were a claim under that Act;

(e)if the claim relates to stamp duty land tax or annual tax on enveloped dwellings, Schedule 11A to FA 2003 applies to it as if it were a claim to which paragraph 1 of that Schedule applies.

(7)Where an officer of Revenue and Customs makes a consequential adjustment under this section, the officer must give the person who made the claim written notice describing the adjustment which has been made.

(8)For the purposes of this section the counteraction of a tax advantage is final when the adjustments made to effect the counteraction, and any amounts arising as a result of those adjustments, can no longer be varied, on appeal or otherwise.

(9)Any adjustments required to be made under this section may be made—

(a)by way of an assessment, the modification of an assessment, the amendment of a claim, or otherwise, and

(b)despite any time limit imposed by or under any enactment other than this Part.

(10)In this section “the taxpayer”, in relation to a counteraction of a tax advantage under section 209, means the person to whom the tax advantage would have arisen.

Textual Amendments

F6Words in s. 210(1)(b) inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 157(30) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 157(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 210 modified (with effect in accordance with s. 10(7) of the amending Act) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2014 (c. 7), s. 10(5) (with s. 10(6)(7))

211Proceedings before a court or tribunalU.K.

(1)In proceedings before a court or tribunal in connection with the general anti-abuse rule, HMRC must show—

(a)that there are tax arrangements that are abusive, and

(b)that the adjustments made to counteract the tax advantages arising from the arrangements are just and reasonable.

(2)In determining any issue in connection with the general anti-abuse rule, a court or tribunal must take into account—

(a)HMRC's guidance about the general anti-abuse rule that was approved by the GAAR Advisory Panel at the time the tax arrangements were entered into, and

(b)any opinion of the GAAR Advisory [F7Panel given—

(i)under paragraph 11 of Schedule 43 about the arrangements or any tax arrangements which are, as a result of a notice under paragraph 1 or 2 of Schedule 43A, the referred or (as the case may be) counteracted arrangements in relation to the arrangements, or

(ii)under paragraph 6 of Schedule 43B in respect of a generic referral of the arrangements.]

(3)In determining any issue in connection with the general anti-abuse rule, a court or tribunal may take into account—

(a)guidance, statements or other material (whether of HMRC, a Minister of the Crown or anyone else) that was in the public domain at the time the arrangements were entered into, and

(b)evidence of established practice at that time.

Textual Amendments

F7Words in s. 211(2)(b) substituted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 157(30) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 157(6)

212Relationship between the GAAR and priority rulesU.K.

(1)Any priority rule has effect subject to the general anti-abuse rule (despite the terms of the priority rule).

(2)A “priority rule” means a rule (however expressed) to the effect that particular provisions have effect to the exclusion of, or otherwise in priority to, anything else.

(3)Examples of priority rules are—

(a)the rule in section 464, 699 or 906 of CTA 2009 (priority of loan relationships rules, derivative contracts rules and intangible fixed assets rules for corporation tax purposes), and

(b)the rule in section 6(1) of TIOPA 2010 (effect to be given to double taxation arrangements despite anything in any enactment).

[F8212APenaltyU.K.

(1)A person (P) is liable to pay a penalty if—

(a)P has been given a notice under—

(i)paragraph 12 of Schedule 43,

(ii)paragraph 8 or 9 of Schedule 43A, or

(iii)paragraph 8 of Schedule 43B,

stating that a tax advantage arising from particular tax arrangements is to be counteracted,

(b)a tax document has been given to HMRC on the basis that the tax advantage arises to P from those arrangements,

(c)that document was given to HMRC

(i)by P, or

(ii)by another person in circumstances where P knew, or ought to have known, that the other person gave the document on the basis mentioned in paragraph (c), and

(d)the tax advantage has been counteracted by the making of adjustments under section 209.

(2)The penalty is 60% of the value of the counteracted advantage.

(3)Schedule 43C—

(a)gives the meaning of “the value of the counteracted advantage”, and

(b)makes other provision in relation to penalties under this section.

(4)In this section “tax document” means any return, claim or other document submitted in compliance (or purported compliance) with any provision of, or made under, an Act.

(5)In this section the reference to giving a tax document to HMRC is to be interpreted in accordance with paragraph 11(g) and (h) of Schedule 43C.]

Textual Amendments

F8S. 212A inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 158(15) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 158(2)

213Consequential amendmentU.K.

(1)Section 42 of TMA 1970 (procedure for making claims etc) is amended as follows.

(2)In subsection (2), for “(3ZB)” substitute “ (3ZC) ”.

(3)After subsection (3ZB) insert—

(3ZC)Subsection (2) also does not apply in relation to any claim under section 210 of the Finance Act 2013 (claims for consequential relieving adjustments after counteraction of tax advantage under the general anti-abuse rule).

214Interpretation of Part 5U.K.

[F9(1)In this Part—

[F12(2)In this Part references to any “opinion of the GAAR Advisory Panel” about any tax arrangements are to be interpreted in accordance with paragraph 11(5) of Schedule 43.

(3)In this Part references to tax arrangements which are “equivalent” to one another are to be interpreted in accordance with paragraph 11 of Schedule 43A.]]

Textual Amendments

F9S. 214(1): s. 214 renumbered (15.9.2016) as s. 214(1) (with effect in accordance with s. 157(30) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 157(8)

F10Words in s. 214(1) inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 157(30) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 157(9)

F11Words in s. 214(1) inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 156(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 156(2)

F12S. 214(2)(3) inserted (15.9.2016) (with effect in accordance with s. 157(30) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 157(10)

215Commencement and transitional provisionU.K.

(1)The general anti-abuse rule has effect in relation to any tax arrangements entered into on or after the day on which this Act is passed.

(2)Where the tax arrangements form part of any other arrangements entered into before that day those other arrangements are to be ignored for the purposes of section 207(3), subject to subsection (3).

(3)Account is to be taken of those other arrangements for the purposes of section 207(3) if, as a result, the tax arrangements would not be abusive.