HMRC taskforce to target scrap metal dealers

Date: 7th November 2011

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced that it is to target scrap metal dealers as part of a new crackdown on tax avoidance.

Dealers in Scotland who are deliberately failing to pay the right tax will be clamped down on by a new taskforce, which has been handed the task of focusing on dealers where the risk of evasion is high.

Exchequer secretary David Gauke, said: "We will not tolerate those who break the rules. This taskforce will come down hard on scrap metal dealers and their customers or suppliers who have chosen to break the rules or deliberately evade the tax they should be paying."

Mr Gauke, added that this is "just the start" and warned businesses that no matter where they are, HMRC will "track them down" and hand them a penalty charge.

"It doesn't matter who you are - HMRC can and will track you down. You will face a heavy fine, a possible criminal prosecution and ultimately jail. Honest businesses have nothing to worry about."

Posted by Thomas Fletcher