MP expenses - it ain't over until the fat lady self-assesses

HM Revenue & Customs has written to all MPs inviting them to talk to the Department about their expenses and any tax which they may be liable to pay.

Permanent Secretary for Tax Dave Hartnett also revealed some MPs made the mistake of not paying tax incurred after claiming back accountants' fees for personal tax advice.
Mr Hartnett was giving evidence to the Committee for Standards in Public Life, which has been asked by the government to look into the system of MPs' expenses.

Asked by the Committee whether most MPs had paid the correct amount of tax, Hartnett replied: "Some have got their tax affairs correct and some haven't. It is a mistake that gets made. They should all be paying tax." He added: "We have written to all MPs inviting them to talk to us if they want to talk to us. We have also picked up that there are a number that we will need to talk to as well."

His appearance before the Committee yesterday (7 July) is one of a number of hearings which the public has been invited to attend. The minutes are also a matter of public record.