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ICAEW tax reform

How to build a better tax system

The UK tax system is failing, weighed down by decades of accumulated complexity. ICAEW has identified five pillars critical to creating a system fit for the future.

The pillars Latest developments

Why the tax system needs rebuilding

Latest developments

UK Houses of Parliament
Pillar: Policymakers

Reforming UK tax policymaking

  • Thought leadership report
  • 29 Jun 2026
In the third paper on building a better tax system, ICAEW explains why the current tax policy framework is incapable of delivering meaningful reform and suggests how it can be improved.
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Pillar: Policymakers

Independent advice needed to improve UK tax policymaking

  • Video
  • 29 Jun 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
The UK's tax system is straining under pressures it was never designed for, and reform is politically unappealing. ICAEW’s “How to build a better tax system” project has outlined what needs to change in how tax policy is created.
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professionals discussing while looking at a screen
Pillar: Administration

How can we fix HMRC?

  • Video
  • 29 Jun 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
HMRC has made improvements to its service in recent years, but dealing with the administrator can be a frustrating experience. As part of its work on rebuilding the UK’s tax system, ICAEW’s Tax Faculty has outlined changes it believes will create a better service.
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Woman holding receipts as she fills out a tax return
A pair of hands typing on the laptop keyboard
Get involved

What is wrong with the UK tax system? Have your say

  • Video
  • 29 Jun 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW wants to hear from members on what isn’t working with the tax system and how it can be improved. Share your views and inform ICAEW’s advice on how the UK can build a better tax system.
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The pillars

Find out more about the five institutional pillars that ICAEW believes are needed to ensure the proper functioning of the UK tax system. Read in-depth papers, TAXline articles or watch explainer videos.

We want to hear from you!

Expertise has been really invaluable in helping us to work out what needs to be fixed. We really want to hear from members about what the problems are, but more importantly what the solutions are. This is a collaborative project. We want to hear from everyone about how the tax system should work for them.

Get in touch Take a survey