Complification

In recent times HMRC have promised a simplification of the tax laws in this country which should have led to many planning opportunities. Remember the so-called "tax simplification" of pensions in 2006. Not. The subsequent changes led to the coining of the expression "complification". And then there are the swings back and forth as chancellors rethink their predecessors' ideas. Boy oh boy.

Some of the key highlights in the small print from this week's Budget include some more complifications:

- The increase to £50,000 in the annual charge for UK non-domiciled individuals from April 2012 for those who have been UK resident for 12 or more years and who wish to benefit from the remittance basis. The definition of residence will be put on a statutorily defined basis. Then the likes of Green and Stelios should be left in peace for a bit.

- The reduction in the main rate of corporation tax to 26% from April 2011 and by 1% a year thereafter to 23% in 2014. That should help offset the impact of the proposed cuts in capital allowances.

- The increase in the personal allowance to £8,105 in 2012/13, with a corresponding reduction in the basic rate band to £34,370. That should add a big slew of higher rate taxpayers to those already paying 40% and 50% tax.

- The increase in the lifetime limit for CGT entrepreneurs' relief from £5 million to £10 million - which sounds good but won't actually affect too many people. Except maybe Green and Stelios.

- The possible integration of income tax and NICs. But how on earth will they do that without huge "complification?"

The Smart Frog makes no apologies for sounding cynical. Let's see if time proves him wrong.