24th July 2008, 06:03 PM
IFA and BAJR have been in regular contact on this.. and I am now passing everything onto them, as they are well placed to deal with a situation such as this, given the implications for the profession.
I have just finished a long conversation with the Tax Office, and I am sorry to inform people that as far as they are concerned the provision of accommodation for archaeological staff no matter for how short or long a time, and no matter if you have a permanent residence elsewhere is a taxable benefit.
This means that all staff who have been present and have been provided with accommodation as part of the work, will be liable and must pay the tax bill that is presented. I have asked for clarification on whether the tax can be spread over 12 months, as it is clear that some people do not have the funds available to pay the full amount in a single payment.
I am being provided with a letter from the Inland Revenue officer which will be sent on to the IFA as soon as it arrives, where they can then see if advice and representation can be sought to examine the case further.
I was dismayed that this was the result - as I felt that the case was strong enough to bear scrutiny based on criteria for accommodation, however, this is clearly not the case as far as they are concerned, unless it can be proved that substantially, this is a customary arrangement in archaeology.
I can only apologise for this outcome, and I personally feel distress and sadness that it has come to this. I must urge people who are affected to understand that although frustrated, there are other avenues to explore. Please do not post any details of this case online, but rather get in touch directly with me, either by email or phone.
info@bajr.org 01620 861643
I will not have the final letter until next week, as it is being posted on Friday. However I am more than willing to discuss and advise off this forum.
My apologies again
"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers
I have just finished a long conversation with the Tax Office, and I am sorry to inform people that as far as they are concerned the provision of accommodation for archaeological staff no matter for how short or long a time, and no matter if you have a permanent residence elsewhere is a taxable benefit.
This means that all staff who have been present and have been provided with accommodation as part of the work, will be liable and must pay the tax bill that is presented. I have asked for clarification on whether the tax can be spread over 12 months, as it is clear that some people do not have the funds available to pay the full amount in a single payment.
I am being provided with a letter from the Inland Revenue officer which will be sent on to the IFA as soon as it arrives, where they can then see if advice and representation can be sought to examine the case further.
I was dismayed that this was the result - as I felt that the case was strong enough to bear scrutiny based on criteria for accommodation, however, this is clearly not the case as far as they are concerned, unless it can be proved that substantially, this is a customary arrangement in archaeology.
I can only apologise for this outcome, and I personally feel distress and sadness that it has come to this. I must urge people who are affected to understand that although frustrated, there are other avenues to explore. Please do not post any details of this case online, but rather get in touch directly with me, either by email or phone.
info@bajr.org 01620 861643
I will not have the final letter until next week, as it is being posted on Friday. However I am more than willing to discuss and advise off this forum.
My apologies again
"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers