HMRC to name and shame tax cheats

Date: 4th March 2010

Small business owners in the UK could be among those to be affected by new legislation regarding tax evaders.

The legal ruling, which came into effect yesterday (March 3rd), means that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) now has the authority to publish the personal details of those who are caught deliberately evading tax payments.

HMRC will publish the names, addresses and details of the evasion of any individual or company that "dodges" tax payment from April 1st.

Stephen Timms, financial secretary to the Treasury, said: "It is only right that people pay their fair share of tax, which supports vital public services.

"This new approach should make people think again about trying to get away with tax fraud. As well as having to pay the tax, interest on the tax, plus penalties of up to 100 per cent of the tax lost, they also now risk being identified publicly.

HMRC has urged anyone who has yet to pay their tax to contact the department as a matter of urgency to avoid having their details published.