News: 13th February 2013

Fast food outlets in East Anglia will be under the spotlight of one of HM Revenue and Customs' (HMRC's) newest taskforces as the department looks to target those evading tax over the coming months.

Inspectors will be looking closely into the records of businesses in this industry and area, undertaking intensive bursts of activity to ensure everyone is paying the right amount of tax.

HMRC believes it can recover £5 million in lost revenues from this individual taskforce, with an additional £7 billion coming overall every year by 2014-15 across the board.

David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, explained that the taskforce is only looking at those not playing by the rules.

He explained: "Most of us pay what we should. We have made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and will crack down on those who break the rules.

"HMRC is on track to collect more than £50 million as a result of taskforces launched in 2011-12. We expect over £90 million from this year’s taskforces."

Other taskforces will also look into self assessment repayments in London and the south-east, along with the jewellery trade in the Midlands.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher