Revenue Scotland devolved tax specialist joins Campbell Dallas

Campbell Dallas has appointed Revenue Scotland’s former head of tax operations and compliance, Colin McHardy, to lead the firm’s devolved tax service.

Mr McHardy is a technical specialist in devolved taxes who also has extensive experience of drafting tax legislation and guidance.

The firm, which has offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Stirling, Kilmarnock and Perth, said it sees devolved taxes as of increasing importance as businesses and taxpayers tackle the different tax systems now evolving across the UK.

Devolved taxes in Scotland currently include land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) and Scottish landfill tax (SLfT) with air departure tax (ADT) scheduled to come into operation from April 2018.

Mr McHardy says this is an area which is growing in both scope and importance.

He explained: “The remit of Revenue Scotland is set to grow as it is charged with implementing new tax laws and recovering tax due from businesses and taxpayers. Many businesses and individuals have operations, employees and investments in Scotland, England and overseas. It is crucial that clients are aware of their obligations, plan ahead to ensure their tax is managed in an efficient and timeous manner and avoid penalties for non-compliance, because the obligation remains on the taxpayer to get it right”.

Aileen Gates, Campbell Dallas’ Head of Tax, added: “We are delighted to welcome Colin to the firm and to our expanding tax team. Devolved Taxation is already important, but it is going to become even more so during the next few years. Colin’s expertise and understanding of this complex area will be invaluable to our clients. Being recognised at the UK Tolley Tax Awards for our expertise in devolved tax is also a great result for Campbell Dallas, and reflects our ambition to be one of the top tax firms in Scotland.”

The Campbell Dallas’ tax practice has contributed advice to tax committees that make regular representation to the Scottish Government and Revenue Scotland. The firm is also developing a regular programme of workshops on devolved taxes across Scotland.

The firm’s tax team was recently acknowledged after it collected a merit award for ‘Best tax practice in a devolved administration’ at Tolley’s 2017 UK Tax Awards.

The judges highlighted Campbell Dallas’ expertise in devolved taxes, and the investment made by the firm to ensure clients can navigate an increasingly complex tax system.