HMRC announces extension of 'tax cheat' campaign

Date: 14th June 2011

Campaigns designed to crack down on the UK's "tax cheats" are to be extended by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), it has been announced.

The department has confirmed that new projects targeting VAT defaulters, private tutors and e-marketplaces will be launched over the coming year.

Such news could tempt a number of small business owners to seek assistance from specialist tax accountancy services in order to ensure their bookkeeping is up to date.

Mike Wells, HMRC's director of risk and intelligence, said: "By being open about our areas of interest for the coming year we hope to maximise that exchange of information and ensure we reduce the tax gap and help customers pay what they owe.

"We will use the information we gather to pursue people who choose not to use the opportunities we provide for them to put their affairs in order on the best possible terms. It will be more expensive if we come and find people, so I urge them to come forward and disclose voluntarily."

Posted by Emily Smith