Inland Revenue was a department of the British government responsible for collecting direct taxes, such as income tax, and administering benefits, such as child tax credits. It was established in 1849 by the amalgamation of two former government boards, the Board of Excise and the Board of Stamps and Taxes. Until 1909, the Inland Revenue managed the excise affairs of the nation, but matters relating to excise were transferred in 1909 to a new board, the Board of Customs and Excise. In 2005, the department merged with Her Majestys Customs and Excise to form HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The Inland Revenue was responsible for collecting direct taxation, including income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, corporation tax, petroleum revenue tax, and stamp duty.
In addition to the UK, other countries also have an Inland Revenue department. For example, in Pakistan, the Inland Revenue Wing of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is responsible for collecting domestic taxes, including income tax, sales tax, and federal excise duty.
In summary, Inland Revenue is a government department responsible for collecting direct taxes and administering benefits in the UK and other countries.