HMRC bank account debt-recovery powers spark burden-of-proof concerns

• New powers unveiled by Chancellor John Healey in the Budget will let HMRC recover tax debts directly from bank accounts from July 2029 - up to £5,000 for individuals and £10,000 for companies. • The measure targets Britain's £59.2bn tax gap and is expected to raise £50m in its first year, rising to £320m by 2031/32. • Tax professionals warn of 'genuine concern' over how HMRC confirms debts are correct and distinguishes refusal to engage from inability to engage, and how quickly wrongly taken money is returned.