HMRC unveils new task force to tackle tax dodgers

Date: 17th May 2011

Small businesses operating in the catering industry in London could be advised to seek help from a specialist tax accountancy service following a recent government announcement.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is set to target restaurants in the capital as part of new attack on "tax dodgers".

The new task forces will focus on different industries at any one time, with the restaurant trade first to be placed under scrutiny.

Mike Eland, director general of 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."

Posted by Emily Smith