An HMRC taskforce targeting tax dodgers in the road haulage industry in the Midlands has been set up this week. HMRC sets a target level of additional tax for each Task Force to recover and has said that it hopes that this one will recover £3.5 million.
HMRC has collected more than £80 million as a result of taskforces launched since 2011-12. It expects to bring in over £90 million per year from taskforces launched over the next three years.
A further 27 task forces are planned for 2013-14 and 30 for 2014-15.
David Gauke, the exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to support hardworking people who want to get on in this industry and every other. However, the people being targeted by this taskforce have no intention of playing by the rules”.
Taskforces tackling tax evasion in restaurants in Yorkshire and Humber, the fishing industry in Scotland and the holiday industry in Blackpool, Lake District, North Wales, Devon and Cornwall were also launched this week.
Taskforces are specialist teams that undertake intensive bursts of activity in specific trade sectors and locations in the UK that HMRC perceive to be of particularly high risk to their revenue. The teams visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.
Regardless of your record with HMRC, if you are in one of the highlighted areas and business sectors it is increasingly likely that you will be selected for an enquiry by the task force. In any event we would recommend that you ensure all of your tax affairs are up to date. Our highly experienced team of tax experts are here to help you steer clear of potential problems and will be delighted to meet you on a no obligation basis initially. Simply call us on 0845 177 5500 or use our online contact form.