Taxman deploys more task forces
HMRC announces further task forces to tackle suspected tax avoidance and evasion
EXTRA TASK FORCES are being deployed by HM Revenue & Customs in its bid to curb the activities of tax dodgers.
The various operations, targeting restaurants in South Wales, hair and beauty businesses in Northern Ireland, motor trade companies in South Wales, the South West, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East, as well as Scottish pubs and nightclubs, are expected to claw back more than £30m for the public purse.
It follows similar operations undertaken at the end of May and June which targeted market stall holders in London, taxi firms in Yorkshire and the East Midlands, restaurants across the Midlands, and property rental businesses in East Anglia, the North East, Yorkshire and London.
The task forces are specialist teams thar operate in short, sharp bursts of activity to tackle suspected tax avoiders and evaders across the UK. They examine the records of businesses and individuals in question and carry out other investigations.
The Exchequer secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, said: “At a time when we are trying to rebalance the public finances and most hard-working people are making a contribution by paying the right tax, it is just not fair that a small minority try to dodge their responsibilities.
“These new task forces are funded by the government’s investment in HMRC of over £900m to crack down on avoidance and evasion.
“Dedicated teams are on track to collect more than £50m from tax avoiders and evaders through the task forces launched last year and expect to collect £30m in unpaid taxes through those launched today.”