Construction industry placed under increased scrutiny

Date: 11th November 2011

Small businesses operating in the UK's construction sector could soon require help from a specialist accountancy service following an announcement by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The department has revealed that the sector is to be placed under increased scrutiny following the launch of a dedicated taskforce.

It comes as part of a wider crackdown on tax evasion and avoidance by UK taxpayers in what the government has identified as high risk areas.

Landlords, scrap metal dealers and restaurateurs are among those also having their records checked by the HMRC.

Mike Wells, the organisation's director of risk intelligence, said: "These taskforce will come down hard and fast on those who have chosen to break the rules and deliberately evade the taxes they should be paying. Honest businesses, however, have absolutely nothing to worry about.

"HMRC is clear - if you deliberately seek to evade tax we can and will track you down and you'll face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well."

The taskforce will pay particular attention to construction traders operating in the north-west of England and North Wales.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher