What information can HMRC share with the Help to Buy: ISA Scheme Administrator under paragraph 18?

HMRC may disclose confidential information relating to Lifetime ISA withdrawals to the Help to Buy: ISA Scheme Administrator, but only where it is relevant to determining whether an individual qualifies for a Help to Buy: ISA bonus. The information must meet all three conditions: it must be confidential HMRC information, relate to Lifetime ISA withdrawals, and be relevant to Help to Buy eligibility.

What happens if the Help to Buy: ISA Scheme Administrator discloses HMRC information without authority?

Unauthorised onward disclosure by the Administrator constitutes a wrongful disclosure under section 19 of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 if it identifies the individual or allows their identity to be deduced. This is a criminal offence carrying potential penalties. HMRC authority for onward disclosure may be general or specific.

Can other parties voluntarily share information with HMRC under this paragraph?

Yes. Any person holding information relevant to HMRC's functions under the Lifetime ISA provisions in section 1 and Schedule 1 of the Act may voluntarily disclose that information to HMRC or an officer of Revenue and Customs. This provides a lawful basis for the Administrator, ISA managers, or others to support HMRC's administration of the Lifetime ISA scheme.

Why is information sharing needed between HMRC and the Help to Buy: ISA Scheme Administrator?

Both the Lifetime ISA and Help to Buy: ISA offer government bonuses towards purchasing a first home, and an individual cannot claim both bonuses for the same property. HMRC holds Lifetime ISA withdrawal data while the Administrator manages Help to Buy eligibility. Paragraph 18 creates a legal gateway enabling data sharing so eligibility can be properly verified.

Savings (Government Contributions) Act 2017 section Sch 1 para 18

Information sharing between HMRC and the Help to Buy: ISA Scheme Administrator

Schedule 1 paragraph 18 sets out the rules governing the disclosure of confidential HMRC information to the Administrator of the Help to Buy: ISA Scheme, and the sharing of information with HMRC for Lifetime ISA purposes.

HMRC may share confidential information about Lifetime ISA withdrawals with the Help to Buy: ISA Scheme Administrator, but only where it is relevant to determining whether an individual qualifies for a Help to Buy: ISA bonus.
Information disclosed to the Administrator must not be passed on to anyone else without HMRC's authority; unauthorised onward disclosure is a criminal offence if the person's identity is revealed or can be deduced.
Any person holding information relevant to HMRC's functions under the Lifetime ISA legislation may voluntarily disclose that information to HMRC or an officer of Revenue and Customs.
These rules do not restrict any other lawful basis on which information may be shared outside this paragraph.

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