£26m tax boost from HMRC voluntary sector projects

Grants of £2 million to voluntary and community organisations to help people with taxes, benefits and tax credits led to £26 million in additional tax being declared to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) last year. This was an increase of 55 per cent on the previous year.

Some 4,500 volunteers were trained by these organisations to answer people’s questions on tax credits, benefits and tax issues. They will ensure that an additional 225,000 people per year get help and advice on HMRC-related issues.

Exchequer Secretary David Gauke said: “I was very pleased at these results. They show that the grants are a cost-effective way of ensuring that vulnerable people on low incomes get the help they need with their tax affairs from an independent, trusted source.”