In a key test case on the relevance of tax losses (and more broadly, HMRC) under Part 26A of the Companies Act 2006, Mr Justice Michael Green in the High Court has sanctioned the second restructuring plan (RP2) of Waldorf Production UK Plc (the Plan Company), overriding HMRC’s challenge by using the cross-class cram down power in s.901G. The judgment resolves, at least at first instance, a series of live questions about the limits of HMRC’s ability to challenge restructuring plans and the proper scope of the “no worse off” test.

HMRC has recently updated its published guidance on the effect of insolvency on existing VAT groups following appointment of an insolvency practitioner.

The updated guidance

The updated guidance provides that:

When a company is on the brink of entering into insolvency proceedings the tax impact, understandably, may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind and so may be overlooked. However, entry into liquidation or administration or the appointment of a receiver can have an adverse impact on, and sever, UK tax groups. This can result in (unexpected) tax leakage and further depletion of assets, adding greater pressure to the distressed situation.

HMRC has recently updated its published guidance on the effect of insolvency on existing VAT groups following appointment of an insolvency practitioner.

The updated guidance

The updated guidance provides that: