In this report, 'Towards Greater Fairness in Taxation: A Model Taxpayer Charter', the Asia-Oceania Tax Consultants? Association (AOTCA), the Confédération Fiscale Européenne (CFE) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) have collaborated on the development of a Model Taxpayer Charter. The provisions were derived from a survey of taxpayer rights and responsibilities in 41 countries, collectively representing over 80 per cent of world GDP. 0The overriding purposes of the Charter are to foster a relationship of mutual trust, respect and responsibility between taxpayers and the State, regarding taxpayers? obligations to the State; and, on behalf of the State as to the rights of taxpayers, to codify certain duties of the tax administration. Through these means, it is suggested that it will reduce the costs of compliance, increase the quality and efficacy of willing compliance, and ensure that all taxpayers are treated equally and without bias or preference.

This article examines the history of taxpayers' charters at both the national and supranational level and looks at how they help protect the rights of taxpayers, with a particular focus on the U.K.