This article surveys the rare cases in which the IRS unsuccessfully challenged a taxpayer's method of accounting as not clearly reflecting income. Taken together, these cases shed light on when tax accounting methods may reflect income just clearly enough to pass judicial muster

The recent controversy surrounding HMRC's refusal to disclose relevant information voluntarily to Parliamentary Committees has the potential to undermine the important principle of taxpayer confidentiality. HMRC's current policy only asks whether the information requested would identify a...

In Canada, the tax system is not used just to raise revenue; it is also an important instrument for achieving various social policy objectives. As a result, the tax system has become closely intertwined with the income support system; it now serves as the delivery mechanism for many key income...

In spite of repeated calls for tax simplification around the world, tax systems, especially those in developed countries, have evolved into complex ones. While there have been various approaches to tax simplification by different national governments, the UK’s initiative of establishing a...

The merger of HM Commissioners of Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise in 2005 stands out as one of the most instantly recognisable reforms of the UK Civil Service in recent times. A good deal has been written about the consequences of the merger, but we focus in this chapter on the period...

Small firms suffer far more than large firmsSuccessive governments have promised to reduce business red tape, whilst doing nothing about it. In fact, with regard to the tax system, ever-greater numbers of taxes and ever-greater complexity have increased burdens on businesses by turning firms...

This book critically analyses the role of the United Arab Emirates Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in the Suspicious Activities Reports regime. The author pays particular attention to its functions and powers in dealing with Suspicious Activities Reports and relevant requirements imposed upon...