HMRC sets up trade-specific task forces to tackle evasion
A new team to tackle tax evasion in the restaurant trade has been set up, and more are set to follow
THE TAXMAN has established task forces to focus on tax dodging in particular trades, it has announced.
The first force will focus on the restaurant trade in London over the coming weeks, after which it will target Scotland and North West.
HMRC is planning a further nine task forces in 2011/12, with more to follow in 2012/13.
This is a result of the £917m ringfenced in last year’s Spending Review, which Exchequer secretary to the Treasury David Gauke confirmed at the Treasury select committee on 11 May would yield £18bn by 2014/15.
Mike Eland, HMRC’s director general 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.
“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.”
