HM Revenue & Customs (National): HMRC launches new task forces to tackle tax dodgers

New task forces to tackle tax dodgers were announced today by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The first task force will focus on the restaurant trade, targeting businesses in London over the coming weeks.

The specialist teams will undertake intensive bursts of compliance activity in specific high risk trade sectors and locations across the UK. The restaurant trade in Scotland and the North West will be the next areas targeted.

They come as a result of the Government’s £900m spending review investment to tackle tax evasion, avoidance and fraud from 2011/12, which aims to raise an additional £7bn each year by 2014/15.

Mike Eland, Director General Enforcement and Compliance, said:

“These task forces are a new approach which uses HMRC’s resources to identify and tackle rule-breakers and evaders swiftly and effectively.

“Only those who choose to break the rules, or deliberately evade the tax they should be paying, will be targeted. Honest businesses have absolutely nothing to worry about.

“But the message is clear – if you deliberately seek to evade tax HMRC can and will track you down, and you’ll face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.”

HMRC is planning a further nine task forces in 2011/12, with more to follow in 2012/13.

If you are aware of someone who is evading their taxes you can tell us via the Tax Evasion Hotline by phone on 0800 788 887, via the email hotline, or by post full details can be found atwww.hmrc.gov.uk

Notes for editors

Task forces bring together various HMRC compliance and enforcement teams for intensive bursts of activity targeted at specific sectors and locations where there is evidence of high risk of tax evasion.

The task forces are part of the department’s broader work to tackle evasion and avoidance, including Managing Deliberate Defaulters and offshore penalties.

Compliance activity through task forces is 1:1 and targets the highest-risk cases in that sector and location, typically focusing on groups of up to around 600 customers in specific locations.

Follow HMRC on Twitter @HMRCgovuk

NAT 38/11

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
Press enquiries only please contact:

Contacts

 NDS Enquiries 
Phone: For enquiries please contact the issuing dept 
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk