Tax cheats in private security are among targets for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). A taskforce – aimed at security guards, door staff and their employers – will focus on workers in London and the South East.
HMRC taskforces are specialist teams that undertake intensive bursts of activity in specific high-risk trade sectors and locations in the UK. The teams visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.
HMRC has seen an increased risk of fraudulent VAT repayment claims being submitted by the private security industry and the taskforce is expected to recover £10 million.
Other taskforces being launched to tackle tax evasion:
· the construction industry in London – set to bring in £3 million;
· hidden wealth in the Midlands – including people with offshore accounts and those living lifestyles beyond their obvious means through assets from undeclared income. This will the HMRC says recover over £3m; and
· the hidden economy in the second-hand motor trade in the Midlands – which seeks to recover over £3m.
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to support hardworking people who want to get on, but the people being targeted by these taskforces have no intention of playing by the rules. This Government has made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and we have provided HMRC with the resources to crack down on those who break the rules.”
HMRC adds that it has collected more than £90m as a result of taskforces launched since 2011-12. It expects to bring in over £90m per year from taskforces launched over the next three years.
HMRC’s Jennie Granger, Director General of Enforcement and Compliance, said: “HMRC taskforces are deployed in sectors and areas where we’ve detected a high risk of tax evasion. If you have declared all your income, you have nothing to worry about. But, if you haven’t, we will find you, investigate you and not only could you face a heavy fine, but a criminal prosecution as well.”
A Memorandum of Understanding with the Security Industry Authority was signed with HMRC on September 9 for the exchange of information between both organisations.
If you know anyone who is evading their taxes, you can tell HMRC by calling the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.
HMRC is running the second stage of its evasion publicity campaign through a series of targeted advertisements, including radio advertising and over 3,000 billboards in public areas. The campaign works alongside existing compliance activity such as data collection, taskforces and enforcement to raise awareness among those breaking the rules that HMRC is closing in on undeclared income.
About taskforces
Taskforces bring together various HMRC compliance and enforcement teams for intensive bursts of activity targeted at specific sectors and locations where there is evidence of high risk of tax evasion and fraud. HMRC has launched 54 taskforces since 2011. A further 16 are planned for 2013-14 and up to 30 for 2014-15.
