Why the tax system needs rebuilding
It’s time to rebuild the UK’s tax system
The tax system is creaking under the weight of decades of accumulated complexity. Ed Saltmarsh, Indirect Tax Technical Manager, explains how ICAEW is focusing its work on rebuilding the tax system to make it fit for purpose.
The UK's failing tax system needs rebuilding, says ICAEW
- Article
The UK tax system is creaking under the weight of decades of accumulated complexity. ICAEW is working to diagnose what is wrong and set out what good looks like.
Principles, pillars, and priorities
- Thought leadership report
In the UK, where economic resilience, fairness, and long-term investment are critical to national priorities, the strength of the tax system has never mattered more.
The Ten Tenets: revised for 2026
- Thought leadership report
ICAEW's Ten Tenets for a Better Tax System outline the key characteristics against which tax systems and tax policies can be evaluated. The Tax Faculty has updated the tenets to reflect the modern tax system.
Latest developments
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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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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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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