HMRC launch new taskforces
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have launched six new taskforces which are expected to recover more than £23m in tax revenues.
The taskforces, which are specialist teams that undertake intensive bursts of activity in specific high risk trade sectors and locations in the UK, will target traders in:
- Indoor and outdoor markets in London;
- Taxi firms in Yorkshire and East Midlands;
- Property rentals in East Anglia, London, Yorkshire and the North East; and
- Restaurants in the Midlands.
David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary, said:
“HMRC is on target to collect more than £50m as a result of the taskforces launched in 2011/12.
“We have made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion – everyone needs to pay the taxes they owe in full. We are determined to crack down on the minority who choose to break the rules. It is not fair that at a time when most hard-working people are paying the right tax, others are trying to get out of paying what they should.”
HMRC’s Mike Eland, Director General Enforcement and Compliance, said:
“This is not an empty threat – HMRC can and will track you down if you choose to break the rules.”
HMRC launched 12 taskforces in 2011/12. Thirty will follow in 2012/13.
