The events were the first of their kind in the sector and offered the perfect forum to discuss the current and emerging tax risks impacting housing associations.

HMRC explained its ‘Promote, Prevent, Respond’ approach to supporting social housing organisations, which included the launch of a new ‘mailbox’ that will provide a direct route for housing associations to approach HMRC for guidance on complex tax issues – a move that was warmly welcomed by housing associations and RSM.

RSM also provided its views on the tax environment in which housing associations operate; and offered advice on how to manage tax risk effectively to ensure accuracy and compliance, which was a key theme within each discussion.

The partnership between RSM and HMRC hosted an event in Glasgow as well as in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Jim Burberry, Scottish based tax partner in RSM’s UK social housing tax team, said: “Many housing associations in Scotland may not fully appreciate the range and complexity of the tax issues that can impact their business, nor what is expected of them in terms of managing that complexity. It was great to partner with HMRC and provide the first forum in which these issues could be explored.

“Whether its new legislation such as termination payments or Making Tax Digital; structures to manage tax exposure in relation to housing development or regeneration projects; or the consequences of tax treatment following a merger, Housing Associations are navigating a tricky tax landscape. An effective tax management strategy can help mitigate risk, but it requires a structured approach that’s led from the very top of the business.”