Ordinary Gweilo

I have to confess that I have never taken the trouble to really understand the intricacies of the tax system, either here or in the UK. I understand the basics, and if things ever get complex then I employ an accountant to offer advice and fight things out with the authorities. It so happens that I currently have one relatively complex issue that needs to be resolved (preferably in my favour)

Unfortunately I appear to have found an extremely lazy accountant. His advice is that it would be best to simply pay the tax and forget about it. If we try to reduce my tax liability, the Inland Revenue might follow it up and start asking questions and demanding to see paperwork.

Well. er, that’s rather why I sought the help of an accountant. If it was straightforward I’d do it myself.

Meanwhile, it seems that Fumier has the answer – keep quiet and wait for the Inland Revenue to issue an assessment for a tiny fraction of your real income. Then pay it without complaining.