ARTICLE · 22 MARCH 2012

General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR)

Deloitte

Explore more from Deloitte

As widely anticipated, the Government announced that it intends to accept the recommendation of the Aaronson report for the introduction of a narrowly-focussed General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR).

United KingdomTax

Deloitte Tax Group

Author LinkedIn connections

The measure

As widely anticipated, the Government announced that it intends to accept the recommendation of the Aaronson report for the introduction of a narrowly-focussed General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR).

Who will be affected?

A consultation document will be released later this year, with the intention of introducing the new rule next year. It will apply to income tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, petroleum revenue tax, NIC and SDLT.

When?

The GAAR will apply from April 2013.

Our view

Our view is that a narrowly-focussed GAAR, which targets transactions with the sole purpose of avoiding tax should cut down artificial, aggressive schemes, without adversely affecting business. A wider GAAR would simply add uncertainty and would not be helpful, either for HMRC or for business.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

Budget 2026: What The Sovereign Immunity Tax Changes Could Mean For UK Property Investment

United KingdomTax

UK Autumn Budget 2026 – Indirect Tax

United KingdomTax

UK Autumn Budget 2026 – Investment Funds

United KingdomTax

UK Autumn Budget 2026 – Finance

United KingdomTax

Budget Update: Exciting Changes To Employee Share Plans

United KingdomTax

Stephenson Harwood

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

Comparative Guide

Tax

Comparative Guide

Tax Disputes

See more popular content from

Tax

Has Your Mauritian Transfer Pricing Documentation Kept Pace With The Mauritius Revenue Authority?

On June 10, 2019, the Hon. Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance & Economic Development of Mauritius presented the 2019-20 Budget.

United KingdomTax

DLA Piper UK LLP

What Are Exit Taxes And How Do They Work?

As the UK anticipates its first Budget under Andy Burnham's premiership on 28 October 2026, questions arise about whether 'Manchesterism' will introduce an exit tax regime. This analysis examines how different jurisdictions—from Canada's deemed disposal system to France's targeted charges on substantial holdings—tax individuals leaving their borders, and explores what form a UK exit tax might take if implemented.

US FATCA In The UK - Updated HMRC Guidance Notes Released

Today HMRC released updated Guidance Notes on implementing FATCA in the UK.

United KingdomTax

Andy Burnham’s Property Tax Reform: What High Net Worth Individuals Need To Know

Burnham has consistently advocated for replacing council tax and stamp duty with a land value tax - an annual levy charged on the value of the land itself, rather than the buildings on it.

United KingdomTax

Capital Gains Tax And Private Equity Tax Under A Labour Government: What We Know So Far

Labour plans to defer major tax changes until the autumn Budget. Key potential changes include raising capital gains tax, altering private equity taxation, and possibly integrating capital gains and inheritance tax rules.

United KingdomTax

UK ‘Windfall’ Bank Tax Would Worsen An Already Complex System

UK banks face the prospect of a new windfall tax as campaigners push for additional levies on strong reported profits, while industry leaders warn of potential consequences for lending, investment, and the UK's position as a global financial centre. This analysis examines the practical implications of adding another layer to an already complex sector-specific tax regime that includes corporation tax, banking surcharge, and bank levy.

United KingdomTax

Frequently Asked Questions About IRS Clearance And Form 706-NA

UK executors and beneficiaries dealing with US assets face significant delays in obtaining IRS Transfer Certificates, with waiting times now extending to two or three years. This comprehensive FAQ addresses the critical questions surrounding Form 706-NA applications, US estate tax requirements, and the practical challenges of administering estates containing US shares and investments when the deceased was not a US citizen.

Lester Aldridge LLP

Taxation Of Earn-Outs On Business Sales: Capital Gain Or Disguised Salary?

HMRC is increasing scrutiny of earn-out arrangements, particularly where founders remain involved in the business after completion and deferred consideration depends on future performance of the target company.

United KingdomTax

Autumn Budget 2024 - Capital Gains Tax

The Chancellor's 2024 Budget introduced moderate changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Rates for basic and higher rate taxpayers increased to 18% and 24%, respectively. Business Asset Disposal Relief and Investors' Relief rates will rise from 10% to 18% by 2026, with anti-forestalling provisions. Rates for residential property disposals remain unchanged.

United KingdomTax

Travers Smith LLP

Transfer Pricing Enquiries: HMRC’s Approach And Recent Cases

Transfer pricing litigation in the UK has historically been rare, but recent procedural cases reveal HMRC's increasingly aggressive approach to enquiries. With average enquiry durations now exceeding 40 months and transfer pricing yield surging to £3.4bn, understanding the legal boundaries of information requests and closure notice applications has become critical for multinational groups facing contentious disputes.

United KingdomTax

Macfarlanes LLP