Taxman writing to 600 offshore account holders
Taxman contacts 600 people who came forward in the Offshore Disclosure Facility to learn how the accounts are marketed by banks and the attitudes of high-net worth individuals
The taxman is writing to 600 offshore account holders to unearth more
information about the process of depositing funds outside the UK.
As part of the 2007 Offshore Disclosure Facility, HMRC contacted 5 major UK
banks for details of their offshore account holders.
In a letter seen by Accountancy Age, HM Revenue & Customs has asked the
individuals, who came forward voluntarily in the ODF, to hold phone
conversations with the department.
“To help our understanding we would like to ask you a few short questions
about how you opened, operated and maintained your accounts…… “This is not
an enquiry into your tax affairs.”
The taxman stressed it would not ask for financial information and details
such as account numbers or balances would not be discussed.
“Any information given to us during this call will be treated in confidence
and will not be used for the purpose of reviewing your own personal affairs,”
the taxman added.