Section 67 – Proceedings in connection with the general anti-avoidance rule
96.This section makes provision in relation to court actions arising from the operation of the GAAR in relation to the devolved taxes. Subsection (1) provides that, where Revenue Scotland makes adjustments to counteract a tax advantage, the burden of proof is on it to demonstrate that there is a tax avoidance arrangement that is artificial, and that the adjustments made to counteract the tax advantage arising from the arrangement are just and reasonable.
97.Subsection (2) provides that, in determining any issues in connection with the GAAR, a court or tribunal is obliged to take account of guidance published by Revenue Scotland about the GAAR which was extant when the tax avoidance arrangement in question was entered into.
98.Subsection (3) provides that a court or tribunal may also take account of guidance, statements or other material in the public domain at the time the tax avoidance arrangement in question was entered into, and may also take account of evidence of established practice at that time.