HMRC has recently increased the number of their task forces set up in May 2011 designed to capture tax evaders in high risk sectors. The four new task forces from this month (February 2013) will target:
- Northern Ireland
- Midlands jewellery trade
- Fast food outlets in E Anglia
- Fraudulent refund claims in SE England
David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, announced these new task forces. These taskforces are targeting people who are not playing by the rules according to HMRC. In his announcement of the task forces he said, “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.“
The fighting talk was consolidated by HMRC’s Jennie Granger, Director General Enforcement and Compliance, who said, “The message is clear – if you choose to defraud the tax system or seek to evade tax, we can and will track you down. You will face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.”
Despite the zeal and drive coming out of HMRC it is somewhat remarkable that they are determined to reign in under £10m from easy prey but forgo billions of pounds lost through fraud or abuse. Furthermore they are prepared to crush the perceived sins of the small business sector but are less aggressive in their pursuit of aggressive tax strategies from the larger businesses. Perhaps they need to reflect on the views of their former allies the MPs sitting on the Public Accounts Committee.
David Frederick
Principal Marcus Bishop Associates
