HMRC appeals Hargreaves Lansdown's 'discount' tax win

Debate over loyalty bonuses

Laura Dew
clock • 2 min read

Hargreaves Lansdown has revealed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is appealing the ruling of a tax tribunal, which ruled in favour of the platform giant for rewarding loyal clients with a 'discount' tax, and could lead to £15m in charges being returned to 150,000 investors.

In March, Hargreaves Lansdown announced it had won a 'discount tax' challenge against HMRC after it introduced 'loyalty bonuses' - discount provided against the ongoing management charges - for clients over 15 years ago, but in April 2013 the rebates were deemed taxable by HMRC.  In September 2013, Hargreaves Lansdown launched a legal challenge to this rule calling it an "unwarranted attack on private investors". The firm took the case to the tax tribunal and it was ruled that loyalty bonuses are not taxable. As a result, £15m could potentially be returned to investors, and, in add...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Wrap/platforms

How adviser platforms bridge Consumer Duty and vulnerable client care

How adviser platforms bridge Consumer Duty and vulnerable client care

'For vulnerable clients, the concept of value for money takes on heightened importance'

Darren Winfield
clock 16 December 2024 • 5 min read
Platform due diligence: A comprehensive approach

Platform due diligence: A comprehensive approach

Due diligence is more than best practice it is ‘fundamental'

Stephen Ford
clock 18 November 2024 • 4 min read
Adviser platform net sales hit £3.1bn despite spike in lump sum withdrawals

Adviser platform net sales hit £3.1bn despite spike in lump sum withdrawals

Assets rose to £683bn in best third quarter in three years

Isabel Baxter
clock 15 November 2024 • 4 min read