Last month HMRC outlined the next steps in its 10 year modernisation plan. Fundamental to this planning is the closure of many of their existing offices, to be replaced by Regional Centres. Chartered Accountants Ireland has been in contact with HMRC officials in relation to the plans for Northern Ireland.

Belfast will be the location for the Regional Centre for Northern Ireland. When finally up and running however, it is not expected that all taxpayer services under every head of charge will be operated from Belfast. The Belfast Regional Centre will not be self-contained and some taxpayer affairs will still be dealt with in specialist centres outside of the Province.

As far as Northern Ireland is concerned, the biggest number of office closures will take place during 2017/18. We understand that this is as much for property management concerns as anything else, arising from the termination dates on existing leases etc. The closures to take place are timetabled as follows:

• Coleraine, Fern House will close in 2016/17
• Craigavon, Marlborough House will close in 2017/18
• Enniskillen, Abbey House will close in 2017/18
• Belfast, Beaufort House will close in 2017/18
• Belfast, Carne House will close in 2017/18
• Belfast, Custom House will close in 2017/18
• Belfast, Dorchester House will close in 2017/18
• Lisburn, Moira House will close in 2019/20
• Derry, Foyle House will close in 2020/21

The Belfast Regional Centre is timetabled to open in 2017/18. There will be relocations prior to this; for example staff currently located in Coleraine will move to Derry on the closure of Fern House. We have stressed to HMRC senior officers our concern that this restructuring might create extra burdens and inconvenience for the taxpayer and the Chartered Accountants representing them. Chartered Accountants Ireland will engage with HMRC throughout this process so that we are in the best position to keep you informed as the changes take place, and alert HMRC to disruption or other difficulties as and when they arise.