Minimising risk. Maximising compliance
We have structured our systems, processes and controls to ensure that tax liabilities are calculated accurately, and that tax is paid on time. We additionally employ designated internal resource to monitor the effectiveness of our systems, processes and controls, to ensure they remain appropriate as the group evolves.
24th January 2024
This document sets out the Group’s approach to conducting its tax affairs and dealing with tax risks for the year ending 31 October 2024. This document complies with Schedule 19 of Finance Act 2016 in relation to groups publishing their tax strategy.
Approach to risk management and tax governance arrangements
Keepmoat has structured its systems, processes and controls to ensure that tax liabilities are calculated accurately, and that tax is paid on time. Keepmoat employs designated internal resource to monitor the effectiveness of its systems, processes and controls to ensure that they remain appropriate as the group evolves. Keepmoat recognises that monitoring systems is particularly important in times of business growth, change or expansion.
Tax compliance is a key priority for the Group’s Board of Directors. The Board commits to considering the appropriateness of the Group’s tax processes and controls at least annually (and more frequently should the need arise). The Board has approved this Tax Strategy.
Keepmoat has measures in place to manage the following:
Corporate change
Whilst the Keepmoat business model is well established, its corporate structure is dynamic. Keepmoat recognises that corporate activity, such as share sales, mergers, acquisitions, and refinancing activities require adaptability and integration. Keepmoat involves appropriate external tax specialist resource to support its corporate finance activity. In addition, Keepmoat designates its own internal resource to ensure that change as a result of corporate finance activity is fully embedded within its business operations.
Areas of judgement
Unfamiliar areas of tax law, or areas of the law that require interpretation or judgement present uncertainty. Where appropriate, Keepmoat uses external specialist resource to assist with its compliance decisions. Keepmoat also actively seeks review and clearance from HMRC where possible.
Inherent risk
The nature of Keepmoat’s site-based activity across developments is fairly consistent. However, projects may vary in terms of structure, scale, value and term. Our operations require us to employ a mobile workforce and subcontractor base. Tax specialist review is undertaken where new ventures are unusual or innovative, involving the use of external experts in areas of uncertainty.
In the event that Keepmoat identifies an error in its tax affairs, we commit to communicating promptly to HMRC with a view to resolution.
Attitude towards tax planning
When considering entering into any new business agreements, Keepmoat takes into account the impact the arrangements could have on its brand and reputation, its relationships with customers and supply chain, its commitment to corporate social responsibility and the legal and regulatory frameworks. Keepmoat avoids undertaking arrangements that are purely or mainly motivated by a tax saving.
Keepmoat commits to seeking external tax advice in the following circumstances:
- Areas of law that are new, changing or complex
- Where tax is impacted by the expansion into new areas of business
- Corporate finance related transactions
Level of risk that the Group is prepared to accept
Keepmoat takes a responsible, conservative attitude to tax risk. Transactions with a tax impact are only undertaken with a commercial goal in mind; they are not undertaken purely for a tax incentive. The Group’s shareholders are supportive of Keepmoat’s focus on corporate social responsibility.
Approach of the Group to its dealings with HMRC
Keepmoat commits to maintaining a good working relationship with HMRC. Keepmoat uses its Customer Compliance Manager as its primary contact. Keepmoat commits to communicating with HMRC in a courteous and timely manner. Keepmoat wishes to be open, honest and transparent in its dealings with HMRC. Prevention of unnecessary dispute is preferred, and Keepmoat will work with HMRC on a real-time basis as far as possible.
