What power does section 8A of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 give HMRC?

Section 8A empowers HMRC to do anything it considers necessary or expedient in connection with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This includes sharing tax information, participating in reporting processes, and cooperating with other bodies. However, this power only extends to taxes HMRC is responsible for collecting and managing.

What is the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and how does it relate to United Kingdom tax law?

The EITI is an international programme promoting openness in how countries manage revenues from natural resources such as oil, gas and minerals. The UK participates in this initiative, and section 8A of CRCA 2005 provides HMRC with a clear legal basis to support that participation by engaging in EITI reporting and disclosure processes.

How does section 8A affect extractive companies operating in the United Kingdom?

Companies in oil, gas, mining and other extractive sectors should be aware that HMRC has explicit authority to facilitate publication of information about taxes those companies pay to the UK government. HMRC can confirm tax amounts received from individual companies so these can be reconciled against company-reported payments, promoting transparency and accountability.

Which legislation introduced section 8A into the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005?

Section 8A was introduced into the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 by the Infrastructure Act 2015. This amendment was made to support the United Kingdom's commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and to give HMRC a proper legal foundation for participating in EITI reporting and disclosure activities.

Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 section 8A

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Section 8A gives HMRC the power to take any action they consider necessary or appropriate in connection with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, where it relates to taxes they are responsible for collecting and managing.

HMRC may do anything necessary or expedient in connection with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)
This power applies only in so far as the EITI relates to taxes that HMRC is responsible for collecting and managing
The EITI is an international initiative aimed at promoting openness and transparency in the management of revenues derived from natural resources
This section was introduced by the Infrastructure Act 2015 to support the UK's commitment to the EITI

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