Hazardous waste treatment specialist Augean has confirmed that payment of a £34.7 million HMRC bill for landfill tax has been delayed until the conclusion of a tribunal into the issue.
In a trading update, Augean said that “following receipt of hardship for Augean North Limited announced in February 2019, it has also now received confirmation that hardship has been granted for the assessments received by Augean South Limited.”
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – UK government tax office in London
This means that the company is not obliged to make payments “before the conclusion of any tribunal”.
In April 2019, Augean was handed a £34.7 million (£37.3 million with interest) final assessment bill by HMRC for unpaid landfill tax.
This was comprised of £24.4 million for Augean South for the period between August 2013 and May 2018, as well as £10.3 million for the same tax for Augean North, covering the period October 2013- July 2017.
Landfill tax
The company has maintained throughout that it has collected and paid the appropriate landfill tax.
In a statement today ahead of its half year results this week, Augean said this will not be paid until after a tribunal, expected to be taking place in 2020, is concluded.
The full statement said: “Augean, one of the UK’s leading specialist waste management businesses confirms that following receipt of hardship for Augean North Limited announced in February 2019, it has also now received confirmation that hardship has been granted for the assessments received by Augean South Limited. No cash payment will therefore be required to be paid by the Company before the conclusion of any tribunal.
“As previously announced, we maintain our position that we have correctly collected and paid the appropriate landfill tax, based on legal advice received and will robustly defend against the assessments. We have not provided against the assessments.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
