TAXPAYER confidentiality has a long history of protection in the UK. It is a fundamental part of the tax system. It has been considered invaluable by the executive for the efficient collection of taxation, protected by Parliament since the Income Tax Act 1799 and recognised by the courts as a “vital element in the working of the system” (Inland Revenue Commissioners v National Federation of Self-Employed and Small Businesses Ltd. [1982] A.C. 617, 633, per Lord Wilberforce).