Section 311 | Allocation of reference number to arrangements

(1)This section applies in—

(a)a subsection (2) case, or

(b)a subsection (3) case.

(2)A “subsection (2) case” is a case where a person complies, or purports to comply, with section 308(1) or (3), 309(1) or 310 in relation to a notifiable proposal or notifiable arrangements.

(3)A “subsection (3) case” is a case where—

(a)notice in relation to arrangements or a proposal has been issued in accordance with section 310D (notice of potential allocation of reference number),

(b)the notice period has expired, and

(c)the person to whom the notice was given has failed to satisfy HMRC, before the expiry of the notice period, that the arrangements are not notifiable or (as the case may be) that the proposal is not notifiable.

(4)“The notice period” means—

(a)the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which the notice under section 310D is issued, or

(b)such longer period as HMRC may direct.

(5)HMRC may allocate a reference number to the arrangements or, in the case of a proposal, the proposed arrangements, subject to subsection (6).

(6)HMRC may not allocate a reference number to arrangements or proposed arrangements after the time limit for doing so.

(7)The time limit for allocating a reference number is—

(a)in a subsection (2) case, the end of the period of 90 days beginning with the compliance, or purported compliance, with section 308(1) or (3), 309(1) or 310, as the case may be;

(b)in a subsection (3) case, the end of the period of one year beginning with the day after the end of the notice period (see subsection (4)).

(8)HMRC may at any time withdraw a reference number allocated to arrangements in a subsection (3) case.

(9)The allocation of a reference number to arrangements or proposed arrangements is not to be regarded as constituting an indication by HMRC that the arrangements could as a matter of law result in the obtaining by any person of a tax advantage.