Lisa Hogan has hit out at HM Revenue & Customs after sharing a passionate warning about proposed changes to the way millions of self-employed people could pay their income tax.
The Clarkson’s Farm star and long-term partner to Jeremy Clarkson, reposted a video to her Instagram Story before adding the blunt caption: “HMRC are a farce.”
The clip featured social media influencer and accountant @accountant_she, who criticised what she described as a little-publicised HMRC consultation that proposes moving self-assessment taxpayers towards monthly income tax payments.
“In today’s episode of the British government saying that they consult with small businesses on the decisions they make, while simultaneously hiding those decisions in long and confusing documents on their website without telling anyone…” the accountant began.
Jeremy Clarkson and Lisa Hogan | AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
She claimed the proposals would affect self-employed workers, company directors and landlords, warning that those who receive dividends through self-assessment could also be impacted.
“Their justification is that one in five tax bills are paid late, and so their solution to that is to get everyone to pay 12 of them,” she said.
The accountant argued that small business owners already shoulder significant administrative and financial burdens.
“We are seeing this proposal despite small business owners carrying the admin, the risk, the financial burden, the compliance burden, rising tax rates, lowering tax thresholds, confusing tax rules, and actually running our businesses,” she said.
Ms Hogan branded HMRC ‘a farce’ in a strongly-worded Instagram post
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“HMRC now wants to add another layer of admin and another layer of cash flow management.”
She also urged viewers to respond before the consultation closes on August 4, encouraging people to submit feedback on the proposals.
Ms Hogan’s intervention is the latest example of her publicly backing small businesses and challenging bureaucracy.
Alongside partner Mr Clarkson, she has frequently spoken about the pressures facing independent businesses through their work at Diddly Squat Farm Shop and on Clarkson’s Farm.
The Clarkson’s Farm star shared a video warning about proposed HMRC tax changes
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INSTAGRAM/LISA HOGAN
The pair have repeatedly criticised red tape, planning restrictions and the financial pressures affecting farmers and rural enterprises.
Earlier this year, Ms Hogan also defended Diddly Squat’s decision to become a card-only business after some customers criticised the move, explaining why the change made sense for the farm shop.
The row ignited when a fan penned a complaint beneath a video posted to the farm’s official Instagram account.
“Visited the farm shop and bar on the weekend. Why card only? Please consider accepting cash too,” the complainant began.
The disgruntled fan then outlined the dangers posed by a cashless society and the benefits of maintaining a physical unit of exchange.
“I agree with you on so many levels,” Ms Hogan wrote in response from her personal Instagram account.
The Clarkson’s Farm favourite has become an outspoken advocate for independent businesses
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The fan responded: “Good to hear, hope you make the change.”
Mr Clarkson has likewise been outspoken on issues affecting farmers and small business owners, particularly over inheritance tax reforms and what he has described as increasing pressure from government policies.