HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has marked its 20th anniversary.
The department was established in April 2005 through the merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise, combining tax administrations to reduce overlap and enhance service delivery.
The creation of HMRC by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, bringing together both direct and indirect tax collection under one organisation.
Today, nearly every Self Assessment tax return is filed online. The HMRC app has been downloaded more than 7 million times. The introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT in 2019 led to a substantial increase in online VAT returns. MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment is on the verge of being launched.
HMRC has reduced the number of its offices from more than 500 two decades ago to 28 today, as it further reduces its office space in central London.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said:
“For 20 years and for centuries before, HMRC and its predecessor organisations have been an integral part of the UK's fabric. With the support of our dedicated tax professionals right across the UK, our impact is far reaching. From tackling complex challenges and catching wrongdoers to implementing a nation-defining programme like furlough, our work is pivotal. Day in and day out, whether seen or unseen, in the UK and with international co-operation, we collect the money that funds vital public services and provides financial support to those who need it most.”
