HMRC EXTENDS CRACKDOWN ON TAX DODGERS (16/07/12)

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a host of new taskforces in an attempt to recover over £30 million in unpaid tax.

These specialist teams will undertake intensive bursts of activity in specific high risk trade sectors and locations across the UK. The teams will visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.

Four new taskforces will target: Scottish pubs and nightclubs; hair and beauty businesses in Northern Ireland; the motor trade in South Wales, the South West, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East; and restaurants in South Wales and the South West. 

HMRC launched 12 taskforces in 2011/12, with another thirty to follow in 2012/13. HMRC is on target to collect more than £50m as a result of the taskforces launched in 2011/12.

HMRC’s Mike Eland, Director General Enforcement and Compliance, said: “Everyone needs to pay the taxes they owe in full – these new taskforces will help us crack down on the minority who have chosen to break the rules. If you have paid all your taxes you have nothing to worry about. But deliberately evading tax you should be paying can land you with not only a heavy fine but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.

“This is not an empty threat - HMRC can and will track you down if you choose to break the rules.”

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