Accountancy Age exclusive: Revenue probe into Levy leaks
The Inland Revenue has launched an internal investigation into whether Lord Levy's tax affairs were leaked by staff.
Head office investigators have been unleashed in a bid to find out whether a politically motivated Revenue employee has carried out a breach of confidence.
The tax affairs of the millionaire Labour Party fundraising peer Levy – known to be a close friend of Tony Blair – have come under close scrutiny following revelations that Levy paid just £5,000 in tax last year.
A Revenue spokeswoman told Accountancy Age the internal investigation was taking place and that it would treat the process ‘seriously’.
‘The head office investigation will be looking into where the information could have come from.
‘The investigation will also be making sure that our systems are in place to ensure the public’s tax records continue to be kept confidential,’ she told.
Levy’s accountant Baker Tilly denied any leak could have come from them. An official added: ‘All matters regarding our clients are confidential.’
- It emerged this afternoon that Revenue officials will be investigating a hoax caller who claimed to be Lord Levy, according to today’s Evening Standard. It is believed that two separate calls were made last month and the caller was able to give personal details that satisfied Revenue staff of his identity.