Finance Act 2012

Appeal against file access notice

20 (1) If the document-holder is a person other than the tax agent, the document-holder may appeal against the file access notice, or any requirement in it, on the ground that it would be unduly onerous to comply with the notice or requirement.

(2) Notice of appeal must be given—

(a) in writing to the officer by whom the file access notice was given, and

(b) within the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which the file access notice was given.

(3) It must state the grounds of appeal.

(4) On an appeal that is notified to the tribunal, the tribunal may confirm, vary or set aside the file access notice or a requirement in it.

(5) If the tribunal confirms or varies the notice or a requirement in it, the document-holder must comply with the notice or requirement—

(a) within such period as is specified by the tribunal, or

(b) if the tribunal does not specify a period, within such period as is reasonably specified in writing by an officer of Revenue and Customs following the tribunal’s decision.

(6) A decision by the tribunal under this paragraph is final (despite the provisions of sections 11 and 13 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007).

(7) Subject to this paragraph, the provisions of Part 5 of TMA 1970 relating to appeals have effect in relation to an appeal under this paragraph as they have effect in relation to an appeal against an assessment to income tax.