New task force launched to tackle tax dodgers

Money

A new task force to tackle tax dodgers in the North West restaurant trade was announced today by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The specialist team will undertake an intensive burst of compliance activity in the coming weeks targeting high risk businesses.

The taskforce come as a result of the Government’s £900m spending review investment to tackle tax evasion, avoidance and fraud from 2011/12, which aims to raise an additional £7bn each year by 2014/15.

Mike O’Grady, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC, said: “The task forces will tackle rule-breakers and evaders quickly and effectively. The first task force in the North West will focus on the restaurant trade over the coming weeks.

“Honest businesses have absolutely nothing to worry about. Only those who choose to break the rules, or deliberately evade the tax they should be paying, will be targeted.

“But HMRC is clear – if you deliberately seek to evade tax we can and will track you down and you’ll face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.”

The first task forces will focus on the restaurant trades in North West, London and Scotland. HMRC is planning a further nine task forces in 2011/12, with more to follow in 2012/13.

If you are aware of someone who is evading their taxes you can tell us via the Tax Evasion Hotline by phone on 0800 788 887, via the email hotline, or by post full details can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk