HMRC new account raiding powers are “draconian”

Accountancy Age: New Powers which will allow HMRC to raid bank accounts are "draconian" and could lead to an abuse of power suggest a tax reform group and ACCA.

Full story: http://www.accountancyage.com/aa/news/2335876/hmrc-new-account-raiding-powers-are-draconian?

New HMRC powers raise concern

Economia: New measures announced in the Budget yesterday will mean HMRC will be able to access individual bank accounts and recover tax debts directly. The new powers, expected to be in place by 2015, will also allow the Revenue to access the bank accounts of anyone owing upwards of £1,000 in unpaid tax bills, in an attempt to counter tax-avoidance. 

Full story: http://economia.icaew.com/news/march-2014/new-hmrc-powers-raise-concern

Londoners to pay billions more in death taxes and stamp duty

Evening Standard: Londoners are likely to bear the brunt of the bill as the Treasury rakes in a staggering £37 billion more in stamp duty and inheritance tax over the next five years, it emerged today.

Full story: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/londoners-to-pay-billions-more-in-death-taxes-and-stamp-duty-9205096.html

Barcelona sues tycoon's daughters for stashing masterpieces

The Telegraph: Four women written out of the will of their father, industrialist Julio Muñoz Ramonet, face legal action for hiding the most important art in his collection.

Full story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/10712046/Barcelona-sues-tycoons-daughters-for-stashing-masterpieces-bequeathed-to-city.html

Blake Lapthorn and Morgan Cole merger to form new top 50 firm

Legal Week: Blake Lapthorn and Morgan Cole are to merge, creating a new UK top 50 firm with revenues of £72m.

Full story: http://www.legalweek.com/legal-week/news/2335365/blake-lapthorn-and-morgan-cole-set-to-merge-to-create-uk-top-50-firm

Swiss Banks Committed To Tax Transparency

LowTax.net: Thomas Sutter, Head of Communications at the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), has reiterated the Swiss banking industry's commitment to enforcing tax compliance and adopting the automatic exchange of information (AEI) as the new international standard.

Full story: http://www.lowtax.net/news/Swiss-Banks-Committed-To-Tax-Transparency_64105.html?