Embattled Augean receives another landfill tax bill

Wetherby waste management group Augean has been issued with another final assessment from HMRC for its Augean North business, covering a six month period.

HMRC has said it is to pay the landfill tax of £2.9m (£3.1m including interest) covering the period ending 31 October 2017 through to 30 April 2018. This is in addition to £10.3m – £11.1m including interest – for the period ending 31 October 2013 to 31 July 2017.

Its tax bill for Augean South stands at £24.4m.

Augean has been battling landfill tax assessments for a prolonged period of time. Today, it said the latest assessment was “anticipated and advised.”

The listed firm added: “The value is as expected. The Group will appeal the assessment with the tax tribunal expected in 2020. The Group continues to believe, based on legal advice, that it has paid the correct amount of landfill tax and that HMRC’s assessments are incorrect.

“No financial provision will be made for HMRC’s assessments based on legal advice received.  HMRC is considering whether penalties may be appropriate and there may be other final assessments for other time periods for both Augean North and Augean South.”