NI businessmen want small business tax concerns adressed

The North's Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today urged Gordon Brown, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, to address the concerns of small businesses in his pre-Budget report, to be delivered on December 5.

Northern Ireland’s biggest business organisation is pressing the Chancellor to create a tax system that is simple and certain, so that small businesses can contribute even more to the health of the UK economy.

FSB proposals include a 100% capital allowance on IT, IR35 legislation to be abolished, simplifying HM Revenue & Customs forms and a review of the inspection regime.

Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman, said: "Clumsy and over-zealous inspections create a climate of fear rather than cooperation and can be counter-productive.

"We encourage Gordon Brown to take this opportunity to simplify and consolidate the tax system, rather than making further amendments to the existing legislation."