Physiotherapists and osteopaths among health professionals targeted in new tax campaign

People in the health and wellbeing professions who have taxable income that they have not told HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about are being targeted in a new campaign launched today.

The Health and Wellbeing Tax Plan offers health professionals a time-limited opportunity to bring their tax affairs up to date on the best terms available.

The new campaign covers physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, chiropodists and podiatrists. Homeopaths, dieticians, nutritional therapists, reflexologists, acupuncturists, psychologists, and speech, language and art therapists and others are also covered.

The campaign is not aimed at doctors and dentists, who were covered by a previous HMRC campaign, nor at nurses or social workers.

Health professionals have until 31 December 2013 to tell HMRC that they would like to take part in the campaign, and until 6 April 2014 to disclose and pay the tax owed.

After 31 December, HMRC will take a much closer look at the tax affairs of these health professionals. By using this campaign to come forward voluntarily, any penalty they might have to pay will be lower than if HMRC comes to them first.

Marian Wilson, Head of HMRC Campaigns, said:

“I urge health and wellbeing professionals to take advantage of our quick and straightforward way of bringing their tax affairs up to date. Help, advice and support is available.

“After the opportunity closes on 6 April, HMRC will use information it holds from third parties and regulatory bodies to identify people who have not paid what they owe. Penalties – or even criminal prosecution – could follow.”

HMRC has also today launched a video on YouTube to help people who have undeclared tax understand what their obligations are and what they need to do:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP6xMaiiYw4

People can take part in the Health and Wellbeing campaign by:

·  telling HMRC they want to take part in the campaign by 31 December 2013

·  disclosing the details and paying what they owe by 6 April 2014

For more details plus help and support about the campaign, people can visit HMRC’s website.

Help is also available from HMRC by calling the Health & Wellbeing Tax Plan helpline on 0845 600 4507. 

Notes for editors

1.  Campaigns have so far raised £552 million from voluntary disclosures, and over £224 million from follow-up activity, including over 64,000 completed enquiries. HMRC campaigns have targeted offshore investments, doctors, dentists, plumbers, VAT defaulters, coaches and tutors, electricians, online traders and higher rate taxpayers with outstanding tax returns. Seven people have been convicted, with custodial sentences handed out of up to two years. Between them they have had to pay over £550,000.

2.  Anyone who would like to disclose unpaid tax to HMRC can call the Campaign Voluntary Disclosure helpline on 0845 601 5041.

3.  Further information on HMRC campaigns: www.hmrc.gov.uk/campaigns/news.htm

4.  Follow HMRC on Twitter @HMRCgovuk