Barking VAT fraudster to repay stolen tax HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 15, 2017 16:37 BST

Posted 15/05/2017

Kulvinder Boparai, 41, the director of Greenwich Bay Ltd, was jailed in December 2016 for committing VAT fraud. He attempted to steal more than £465,000 in VAT repayments, between 2014 and 2015, but the fraud unravelled after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

In May 2013, Boparai purchased industrial units in Frimley, Surrey. He alleged that refurbishment work had been carried out to rectify damp and drainage problems and made a number of fraudulent VAT repayment claims for the work. HMRC however, froze £398,935.20 in repayments and began an investigation, which showed the work had never been done. In December 2016, Boparai was sentenced to a total of six years and banned from being a company director for six years.

Boparai was ordered to repay the money today (Monday 15 May) at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He has three months to pay the amount in full or he will serve a default prison sentence of 8 months and still owe the money.

Former escort agency owner jailed for tax and benefit fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 17, 2017 11:47 BST

Posted 17/10/2017

A mother-of-five, who lied about earning hundreds of thousands of pounds from her ‘London’ escort agency so that she could evade paying tax and claim state benefits, has been jailed for three years.

Getting to the root of tax avoidance HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 14, 2017 00:01 BST

Posted 14/10/2017

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has won a landmark case against a tax avoidance scheme promoter that could lead to the recovery of £110 million.

HMRC prevents one million visits to scam websites HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 07, 2017 00:01 BST

Posted 07/10/2017

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has averted over a million visits to deceptive websites, including those which promote misleading and costly helpline numbers, it announced today.

10 arrested in suspected £35m money laundering and tax fraud raids HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 06, 2017 15:41 BST

Posted 06/10/2017

Seven men and three women have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) into a suspected £35 million pound tax fraud and money laundering.

Catering business gang served up a £240k fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 05, 2017 13:17 BST

Posted 05/10/2017

The mastermind of a six-strong gang that laundered £240,000 by setting up a fake catering business, has been jailed for three and a half years.

Gang member jailed after tobacco fraud smashed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 03, 2017 14:34 BST

Posted 04/10/2017

A gang member, who rented properties just to use them as delivery addresses for more than 14 tonnes of smuggled tobacco worth £3.1 million in evaded VAT and duty, has been jailed.

Stop facilitating tax evasion or face criminal prosecution, HMRC tells corporations HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 30, 2017 09:00 BST

Posted 30/09/2017

Corporations could be prosecuted if they fail to prevent staff from criminally facilitating tax evasion under a new HMRC law that comes into effect this weekend.

Money launderer stripped of ?1.3m worldwide property portfolio HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 29, 2017 11:30 BST

Posted 29/09/2017

The ringleader of a gang, who laundered more than £107m of underworld cash through their London bureaux de change, has been stripped of property in the UK, France, Sri Lanka and India to repay his criminal income.

South Yorkshire booze smugglers jailed for ?3.8m tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 22, 2017 17:23 BST

Posted 22/09/2017

A South Yorkshire crime gang, who evaded £3.8 million in duty and VAT by smuggling beer into the UK, has been jailed for a total of 19 years.

Warrington kebab man takes away jail term HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 21, 2017 17:01 BST

Posted 21/09/2017

A Warrington fast food takeaway boss, who lied about his shop’s takings as part of a £179,000 tax fraud, has been jailed.

Growing businesses to benefit from expert tax support HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 20, 2017 00:15 BST

Posted 20/09/2017

A new service to directly help mid-sized businesses as they expand and grow, has been launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC?s Executive Chair to step down HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 15, 2017 10:34 BST

Posted 15/09/2017

HMRC’s Executive Chair and First Permanent Secretary, Edward Troup, has announced his plan to retire.

HMRC wins ?35 million tax avoidance case against global bank

Posted 09/09/2017

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has won a tax avoidance case worth £35 million against global banking group BNP Paribas.

The ?Shisha Man? fraudster jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 05, 2017 15:38 BST

Posted 05/09/2017

A tobacco smuggler known as the ‘Shisha Man’, who smuggled more than 4,000kg of illegal tobacco products into the UK and then tried to flee the country, has been jailed for 42 months.

From peanuts to prison for tobacco smuggler HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 04, 2017 12:52 BST

Posted 04/09/2017

A lorry driver, who smuggled more than one tonne of hand-rolling tobacco into the UK hidden among a load of peanuts, evading £220,000 in duty, has been jailed for 22 months after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.

Have you been taxed for your summer job? HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 31, 2017 13:01 BST

Posted 31/08/2017

Taking on a summer job as a student not only looks great on your CV after you’ve graduated – it gives you real work experience in your chosen field and gives you a feel of what your dream job is really like day-to-day.

HMRC reminds parents to update their children?s details as exam results revealed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 24, 2017 00:01 BST

Posted 24/08/2017

As GCSE exam results are released in England, Wales and Northern Ireland today, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding parents who receive Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits to inform them of their child’s educational status ahead of 31 August, otherwise payments will stop.

Brief scam revealed as tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 18, 2017 14:33 BST

Posted 18/08/2017

A call centre worker from Swansea, who set up a company to sell men’s designer underwear as a front to steal more than £50,000 from taxpayers through a VAT fraud, has been jailed.

Rochdale tax fraudster to repay ?400k HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 03, 2017 15:04 BST

Posted 03/08/2017

A Rochdale businessman, who pocketed nearly £1.25 million from two VAT frauds, has been ordered to repay almost £400,000 or face another four years in jail after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

New help for small businesses launched HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 01, 2017 10:00 BST

Posted 01/08/2017

A new online tax forum and dedicated webchat service for small businesses and the self-employed is being launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Cigarette smuggling leaders jailed for nine years HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 28, 2017 10:05 BST

Posted 28/07/2017

The leaders of a cigarette smuggling gang, who evaded almost £1.2 million in taxes, have been jailed after they were caught with more than three million illegal cigarettes.

Tax credit renewal ? one week to go HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 24, 2017 00:01 BST

Posted 24/07/2017

With just one week to go until the 31 July tax credit renewal deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging the 960,000 customers that are still to renew to do it now – or risk having their payments stopped.

Fake vodka factory found in Liverpool HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 20, 2017 18:11 BST

Posted 20/07/2017

An illegal alcohol factory, producing potentially toxic vodka, has been found in an industrial unit in Aintree.

Air filter cigarette smuggler jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 17, 2017 12:22 BST

Posted 17/07/2017

A lorry driver, who smuggled more than nine million cigarettes into the UK hidden inside air filter units, evading £2.5 million in duty, has been jailed for three years after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.

Tax fraudsters sentenced for ?46m wine scam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 14, 2017 16:43 BST

Posted 14/07/2017

A pair of London fraudsters, who evaded £46.5 million in tax by smuggling wine into the UK, have been sentenced for a total of 17.5 years.

Read More

Improved customer service and record-breaking crack-down on avoidance, evasion and non-compliance HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 13, 2017 16:47 BST

Posted 13/07/2017

The report shows that HMRC brought in an additional £29 billion by cracking down on the minority of individuals and businesses who try to not pay the tax they owe, while improving customer service for all taxpayers.

Tax fugitive Geoffrey Johnson caught and jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 13, 2017 17:42 BST

Posted 13/07/2017

One of Britain’s most wanted tax fugitives, the man at the centre of a vast, multi-million pound tax fraud, who fled the UK in July 2014 to avoid prison, has been deported from Dubai after being caught travelling with a fake British passport.

Online auction seller sentenced for ?320k VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 10, 2017 13:51 BST

Posted 10/07/2017

A Cottingham man who hid online auction sales worth more than £2.6 million from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been sentenced.

Gambling accountant jailed for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 07, 2017 11:28 BST

Posted 07/07/2017

A trained accountant, who fraudulently claimed more than £82,000 VAT refunds to fuel his gambling and drug addiction, has been jailed.

Data theft fraudsters jailed for attempted ?10.2m tax credits scam

Posted 06/07/2017

Two members of an organised crime group, who attempted to claim £10.2million in tax credits using stolen identities of public sector employees, have been jailed for eight years and nine months after a complex criminal investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Two women received suspended prison sentences.

It?s a wrap for film tax fraudsters ordered to pay back ?2m HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 30, 2017 18:17 BST

Posted 30/06/2017

An accountant, two film producers and an independent financial advisor, who were jailed with three others for more than 36 years for committing a £2.2 million tax fraud, have been ordered to pay back more than £2 million of their criminal profits or face a further ten years in jail.

Tax credits advisor sentenced for fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 30, 2017 13:42 BST

Posted 30/06/2017

An ex-HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) employee from Dudley, who lied on her tax credits claims to steal more than £56,000, has been sentenced.

Dover cigarettes and tobacco smugglers jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 29, 2017 18:37 BST

Posted 29/06/2017

Two lorry drivers who smuggled cigarettes and tobacco into the UK have been jailed for a total of four years, after investigations by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Perthshire train boss’s fraud goes off the rails HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 22, 2017 17:10 BST

Posted 22/06/2017

A Perthshire transport company boss, who lied about his company profits and invented expenses incurred by the business, has been jailed for 32 months for a £174,000 VAT fraud.

Northumberland company boss sentenced for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 16, 2017 09:42 BST

Posted 16/06/2017

A Northumberland company director, who forged documents to steal more than £148,000 in tax, has been sentenced.

Smuggled cigarette suppliers sentenced HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 13, 2017 16:22 BST

Posted 13/06/2017

Three men, who were caught supplying or receiving almost half a million smuggled cigarettes in Surrey, have been sentenced for evading more than £115,000 in excise duty.

Three men jailed in £17m tobacco fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 31, 2017 17:32 BST

Posted 31/05/2017

Three men have been jailed for a total of 16 years for a £17 million tax fraud after an illegal tobacco factory was discovered.

Essex fraudster ordered to repay £3.3m HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 19, 2017 14:05 BST

Posted 19/05/2017

An Essex fraudster who was jailed for a VAT scam must sell his home, luxury cars and expensive watches to repay £3.3 million he stole.

Fermanagh VAT fraudster ordered to repay crime cash HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 05, 2017 17:37 BST

Posted 05/05/2017

A County Fermanagh farmer, who was jailed in 2014 for stealing £1.3 million in fraudulent VAT repayments, has been ordered to pay back more than £390,000, or serve a further three and a half years in prison.

Former Ascot property developer jailed for £640k fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 21, 2017 15:54 BST

Posted 21/04/2017

A former Ascot-based property developer, who hijacked details of an offshore company in the British Virgin Islands and forged documents to commit fraud and evade VAT, has been jailed for three years and seven months. He was also trading while disqualified as a company director.

VAT fraudster ordered to repay £2.2m HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 20, 2017 16:51 BST

Posted 20/04/2017

A convicted fraudster from Lancashire, who was part of a VAT repayment fraud involving fake construction companies, must repay more than £2.2 million.

Cancer lie tax cheat jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 12, 2017 15:51 BST

Posted 12/04/2017

A phoney North Yorkshire horse trader who attempted to avoid an investigation into a £280,000 tax fraud by lying about having cancer has been jailed.

Dover cigarette smuggler floored by jail term HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 10, 2017 15:52 BST

Posted 10/04/2017

A lorry driver caught smuggling 600,000 illicit cigarettes into Dover, among pallets of floor panels, has been jailed for 16 months after he was investigated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Paper trail leads bluffing businessman to jail HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 06, 2017 12:29 BST

Posted 06/04/2017

A millionaire businessman, who failed to pay any tax on his earnings because he wasn’t a “paperwork person”, has been sentenced to four years for evading more than £1.3m in tax after he was investigated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Seasoned tobacco smuggler returns to prison HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 04, 2017 12:11 BST

Posted 04/04/2017

A convicted tobacco smuggler, who was warned that if he was caught with illicit tobacco again he would return to prison, has been jailed for ten years.

HMRC calls ‘cut!’ on filmmaker’s VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 31, 2017 14:57 BST

Posted 31/03/2017

A London film producer who used the proceeds of a £590,000 tax fraud to rent a plush Piccadilly flat has been jailed.

Restaurateur sentenced for cooking the books in 87,000 pound VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 17, 2017 13:52 GMT

Posted 17/03/2017

An Edinburgh businessman, who owned two Indian restaurants in the city, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after his VAT evasion was uncovered by an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.

Solicitor jailed for £60k tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 01, 2017 12:15 GMT

Posted 01/03/2017

A criminal defence solicitor, who lied about his income to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to steal more than £60,000 in a tax fraud, has been jailed for 18 months.

Ladbrokes luck runs out in £71 million tax avoidance case HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 25, 2017 12:11 GMT

Posted 25/02/2017

Ladbrokes has lost a long running legal battle with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), costing the high street bookie £71 million.

Straight to jail for fugitive tax fraudster HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 21, 2017 17:31 GMT

Posted 21/02/2017

A runaway tax fraudster is starting a six year jail sentence, after being extradited back to the UK by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for failing to repay £1.5 million.

Fantasist furniture fixers fabric-ated fraud fails HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 17, 2017 16:48 GMT

Posted 17/02/2017

A Wiltshire woman, who falsely claimed to be a furniture restorer to commit a £166,000 VAT fraud, has been jailed for two years and eight months.

Not so sweet potato deal lands wholesaler in jail HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 09, 2017 11:42 GMT

Posted 09/02/2017

A wholesale potato merchant, who falsely inflated his businesses expenses by 2,000% to claim £160,000 he wasn’t entitled to, has been jailed for two and a half years.

HMRC wins ‘alternative money’ lap dance case HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 04, 2017 12:11 GMT

Posted 04/02/2017

Wiltonpark LTD, owner of five London-based ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ branded ‘Secrets’, has lost its tax battle with HM Revenue and Customs and now faces a tax bill estimated at more than half a million pounds.

Digital tax revolution moves a step closer HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 31, 2017 12:30 GMT

Posted 31/01/2017

More information has been published today on how businesses, the self-employed and landlords will benefit from government plans to modernise the tax system.

Table top tobacco crime gang sentenced HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 30, 2017 09:03 GMT

Posted 30/01/2017

Six members of an organised crime network, which smuggled almost three million illicit cigarettes into the UK hidden in hollowed-out table tops, have been sentenced for their role in evading more than £657,000 in taxes. Four of the men were jailed for a total of ten years and two months.

Most Wanted tobacco fugitive brought back to face justice HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 26, 2017 12:21 GMT

Posted 26/01/2017

One of the UK’s most wanted tax fugitives, who helped mastermind an international illicit tobacco smuggling operation, has been jailed after being extradited from South Africa by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to face justice.

HMRC releases most optimistic Self Assessment expense claims HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 24, 2017 09:35 GMT

Posted 24/01/2017

Glamorous holidays abroad, luxury watches and Friday nights out feature in HMRC’s latest list of the most outlandish expenses which customers tried to claim back on their 2014-15 Self Assessment returns. With a week to go until the 31 January deadline, HMRC is releasing the strangest expenses to ensure other customers don’t make similar claims:

Offshore cash seized from crime couple HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 20, 2017 11:59 GMT

Posted 20/01/2017

A London couple who ran a criminal money laundering service from their family-owned bureaux de change have been stripped of cash in offshore bank accounts, jewellery and property to repay more than £1.2m.

Register for and file your Self Assessment tax return HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 11, 2017 10:33 GMT

Posted 11/01/2017

Men, for the second year running, were more likely than women to complete their tax return on time, winning the battle of the taxes once again - but only just.

Beating the tax cheats – HMRCs criminal case highlights of 2016 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 07, 2017 00:01 GMT

Posted 07/01/2017

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has today revealed its top ten most significant fraud and organised crime cases of the last year.

Need a New Year money makeover? HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 06, 2017 10:18 GMT

Posted 06/01/2017

More than 1.3 million couples across the UK have boosted their finances with Marriage Allowance, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced today.

“My tax return was on my yacht…which caught fire” HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 21, 2016 00:01 GMT

Posted 21/12/2016

Each year HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) receives a number of unusual excuses why Self Assessment (SA) customers didn’t complete their tax return on time.

Two Northern Ireland men arrested in international tobacco raids HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 16, 2016 18:57 GMT

Posted 16/12/2016

Two men from County Armagh and one from the Netherlands have been arrested as part of an international investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Dutch Customs (FIOD) into suspected money laundering and tobacco smuggling frauds.

Personal Tax Account celebrates its first birthday with 7 million users HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 14, 2016 10:31 GMT

Posted 14/12/2016

More than seven million customers have used their online Personal Tax Account in its first year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today.

Payback time for jailed Luton bus operator HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 12, 2016 11:14 GMT

Posted 12/12/2016

A Luton businessman, who provided bus services for vulnerable people, has been ordered to pay back more than £156,000 he stole through a tax fraud or face a further five years in prison.

Half-baked plot sees extradited tobacco smuggler jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 08, 2016 15:00 GMT

Posted 08/12/2016

A lorry driver caught smuggling 2.9 million cigarettes into the UK, hidden under a load of half-baked mouldy baguettes, has been jailed for four years and three months after being extradited from Romania by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC cuts scam emails by 300 million through new cyber security initiative HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 05, 2016 12:00 GMT

Posted 05/12/2016

HMRC has successfully reduced the number of phishing emails its customers receive by 300 million this year, better protecting taxpayers from fraud and identity theft.

Self Assessment is simple with a Personal Tax Account HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 30, 2016 11:05 GMT

Posted 30/11/2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is today urging first-time Self Assessment (SA) customers to register for a Personal Tax Account (PTA), and see how easy submitting a tax return really can be.

Mechanic hid his business from taxman HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 28, 2016 10:41 GMT

Posted 28/11/2016

A Manchester garage boss has been jailed for tax fraud after he hid his business activities from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and stole £118,000 from UK taxpayers.

Nightclub doorman sentenced for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 17, 2016 17:01 GMT

Posted 17/11/2016

A security doorman, and former HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) employee, has been sentenced for tax evasion.

Ex-council worker jailed for fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 14, 2016 16:37 GMT

Posted 14/11/2016

An ex-council employee, who faked building works to steal almost £1 million, has been jailed for seven and half years after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Money laundering pair snared by traffic jam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 11, 2016 09:58 GMT

Posted 11/11/2016

A London money launderer and his accomplice, whose bid to escape arrest by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) was thwarted by a traffic jam, have been jailed for a total of eight-and-a-half years for laundering £5.9m.

HMRC and Concentrix end tax credits contract HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 11, 2016 17:25 GMT

Posted 11/11/2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Concentrix have agreed to end, with immediate effect, the contract through which Concentrix provided additional capacity to check tax credits claims and reduce error and fraud in the system.

Glazing salesman in double tax scam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 09, 2016 09:35 GMT

Posted 09/11/2016

A South Yorkshire double glazing salesman who was convicted of a £144,000 tax fraud has been jailed – after evading a further £20,000 while on bail awaiting sentence.

Crooked accountant hijacked NHS identities in tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 04, 2016 16:54 GMT

Posted 04/11/2016

An accountant from Bolton, who hijacked the identities of NHS doctors and nurses in a £40,000 tax fraud, has been jailed.

Staffordshire company director jailed for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 03, 2016 11:50 GMT

Posted 03/11/2016

A Staffordshire company director, who pretended to trade in designer jewellery, IT services and sports equipment to steal more than £204,000 VAT, has been jailed after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) exposed his fraud.

Pallets of pasta cigarette smuggler jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 28, 2016 11:01 BST

Posted 28/10/2016

A lorry driver caught smuggling 2.6 million cigarettes into the UK hidden among a consignment of dry pasta has been jailed for three years, after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.

Bury car dealer sentenced for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 28, 2016 17:14 BST

Posted 28/10/2016

A car dealer from Bury has been sentenced for not declaring his true income or registering his business for VAT.

Cigarette smuggling attempt crumbles at border HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 25, 2016 17:04 BST

Posted 25/10/2016

A lorry driver caught smuggling 2.6 million counterfeit cigarettes into the UK hidden behind boxes of rotten apples has been jailed for 21 months, after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.

Accountant, administrator and director jailed for £6.9m payroll tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 24, 2016 10:07 BST

Posted 24/10/2016

Three Kent men, including an accountant and a construction firm boss, who stole £6.9 million in UK taxes to fund lifestyles most people can only dream of, have been jailed for a total of 19 years.

Tax fraudster stripped of River Thames land HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 24, 2016 11:53 BST

Posted 24/10/2016

A Dubai-based British businessman, who financed a major cigarette smuggling gang, has been stripped of prime Thames-side land to pay back £4.5 million.

Huyton cigarette smuggler has to repay £340k HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 21, 2016 14:17 BST

Posted 21/10/2016

A convicted cigarette smuggler from Huyton has been ordered to repay £340,000 or face a further four years in jail.

UK tax gap falls to 6.5% as HMRC targets the dishonest minority HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 20, 2016 10:04 BST

Posted 20/10/2016

The UK tax gap fell in 2014-15 to its lowest-ever level of 6.5%, official statistics published today reveal.

Multi-million pound tobacco racket smashed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 14, 2016 13:16 BST

Posted 14/10/2016

A couple who masterminded a nationwide counterfeit tobacco production racket capable of robbing the taxpayer of £1 million a week, have been sentenced.

Cash under mattress in Manchester HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 10, 2016 10:56 BST

Posted 10/10/2016

A Manchester taxi driver has been jailed for laundering almost 2 million pound of criminal profits in one month after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigators found cash stashed under his bed.

Cash stash man jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 06, 2016 16:31 BST

Posted 06/10/2016

A County Armagh man who kept criminal cash stuffed in cupboards, a sports bag and even on his mantelpiece has been jailed

Read More

Time’s up for luxury watch fraudster HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 30, 2016 14:51 BST

Posted 30/09/2016

A luxury watch dealer, who dodged £1.25 million in tax by falsifying import paperwork to show Rolexes, Cartiers and Breitlings were worth as little as $50, has been jailed for three years.

Jail for pizza driver who stole the dough HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 30, 2016 18:10 BST

Posted 30/09/2016

A pizza delivery driver from Ellesmere Port, who faked his pay, tax and job expenses in an attempt to steal more than £60,000 in tax repayments, has been jailed.

HMRC secures tenth win against NT Advisors protecting more than 900 million pounds HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 26, 2016 13:02 BST

Posted 26/09/2016

HMRC has won its tenth successive case against tax avoidance schemes promoted by NT Advisors.

Read More

Company director in a pickle HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 23, 2016 09:55 BST

Posted 23/09/2016

A Birmingham company director, who claimed to run a business producing whisky, chutney and jam, has been sentenced after it was revealed it was just a front for him to steal almost £110,000 in a tax fraud.

Money laundering gang sentenced HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 19, 2016 11:04 BST

Posted 19/09/2016

A Lancashire gang that cleaned up more than £1.22 million of ‘dirty money’ linked to a major construction industry VAT fraud has been sentenced.

From cellar to cell for wine trader conman HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 16, 2016 18:01 BST

Posted 16/09/2016

A Wanstead businessman, who claimed to trade in fine wines and diamonds but instead conned investors to fund a lavish lifestyle, buying luxury cars and hundreds of pairs of expensive trainers, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for a £350,000 fraud.

HMRC appeal for information on wanted man HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 16, 2016 10:46 BST

Posted 15/09/2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is appealing for information on the whereabouts of a man wanted in connection with a £2m money laundering crime after the conviction of a London businessman.

Smuggled cigarettes land Ripley man in jail HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 14, 2016 15:59 BST

Posted 14/09/2016

A Derbyshire man, who was caught red-handed unloading more than eight million cigarettes from a shipping container that was supposed to be carrying tables and chairs, has been jailed for four years.

Blushing bookkeeper jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 12, 2016 16:48 BST

Posted 12/09/2016

A Plymouth bridal shop owner and part-time bookkeeper, who admitted stealing more than £250,000 in tax, has been jailed for 32 months after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The businessman and the bogus books HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 09, 2016 16:39 BST

Posted 09/09/2016

A London businessman, who cooked the books of his television production company to rob the UK taxpayer of more than £410,000 in a VAT fraud, has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Cold case cigarette smuggler jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 07, 2016 17:06 BST

Posted 07/09/2016

A lorry driver caught smuggling 400,000 cigarettes into the UK hidden in boxes of ice cream, has been jailed for 14 months after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Sums dont add up for Manchester accountant HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 02, 2016 18:30 BST

Posted 02/09/2016

An accountant from Levenshulme, who created fake tax returns and expense accounts to steal more than £285,000 has been jailed today after he was caught by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Property investor and chef jailed for tax credit fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 01, 2016 13:10 BST

Posted 01/09/2016

A self-employed property investor and caterer from Bermondsey, who stole over £70,000 in a tax credit fraud, has been jailed.

Berkshire motor business VAT fraudsters sentenced HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 30, 2016 13:12 BST

Posted 30/08/2016

The former owners of a Maidenhead motor dealership who illegally claimed an £86,000 VAT repayment have been sentenced.

Edinburgh construction firm director jailed for £275,000 VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 25, 2016 12:14 BST

Posted 25/08/2016

The director of an Edinburgh construction company, who lied about her business expenses in a VAT fraud, has been jailed for two years after an investigation into her company’s finances by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Digital revolution for the tax system to cut red tape for British business HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 15, 2016 09:34 BST

Posted 23/08/2016

Paying tax will become less burdensome for British businesses under plans for a 21st century tax system detailed by HMRC today.

Ruperts tax case ex-spelled HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 10, 2016 17:02 BST

Posted 11/08/2016

HMRC has successfully defeated a case brought by actor Rupert Grint.

Bus operator jailed as £1m scam hits the skids HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 08, 2016 17:37 BST

Posted 08/08/2016

A Luton businessman, who provided bus services for vulnerable people, has been sentenced for a £1 million tax fraud.

HMRC wins blockbuster tax avoidance cases HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 05, 2016 10:07 BST

Posted 05/08/2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has won two major tax avoidance battles against the Ingenious Film Partnership and Icebreaker avoidance schemes in cases worth more than £820 million in tax owed and interest.

Spark goes out on electrical fraudster's VAT scam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 02, 2016 10:20 BST

Posted 02/08/2016

The director of a Scunthorpe electrical contracting company, who faked invoices to help steal more than £147,000 in tax, has been jailed.

HMRC’s win over Ernst & Young scheme protects more than £30m HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 29, 2016 13:42 BST

Posted 29/07/2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has defeated a tax avoidance scheme used by a major brewery, protecting around £30 million in tax

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Thousands check their company car tax online HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 28, 2016 10:08 BST

Posted 28/07/2016

More than 100,000 people have used a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online service, to ensure that their car benefit and car fuel benefit is correct.

Only one week left to renew tax credits HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 24, 2016 00:01 BST

Posted 24/07/2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today that around two million people have renewed their tax credits, but that leaves more than a million in danger of losing their payments if they don’t renew before Sunday 31 July.

Tax advisers arrested in suspected £132m tax fraud investigation HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 21, 2016 11:42 BST

Posted 21/07/2016

Three tax advisers have been arrested as part of a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation into a suspected £132 million tax fraud.

‘Cat food’ tobacco smuggler jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 12, 2016 09:41 BST

Posted 12/07/2016

A lorry driver caught smuggling one-and-a-half tonnes of tobacco into the UK, evading £297,000 in excise duty, has been jailed after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.

More than 1,500,000 renew tax credits with a month to go HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 03, 2016 00:01 BST

Posted 03/07/2016

More than 1.5 million people have renewed their tax credits already, with four weeks left until the 31 July deadline.

Lancashire tobacco smugglers payback time HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 28, 2016 15:24 BST

Posted 28/06/2016

A Lancashire man caught smuggling illegal cigarettes and tobacco into the UK, has been ordered to pay back £240,000, of which £90,000 must be paid within three months, or he will face a further 18 months in jail.

Film fraudsters jailed for 27 years in £100 million tax avoidance scam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 24, 2016 15:54 BST

Posted 24/06/2016

Four men have been jailed for a fraud disguised as a tax avoidance scheme, intended to defraud taxpayers of £100 million. The men falsely claimed to have invested £275 million in film projects then used offshore companies to cover their tracks, but HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) exposed it as a scam.

London bookkeeper jailed for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 21, 2016 11:00 BST

Posted 21/06/2016

A London bookkeeper who pretended to be a qualified accountant has been jailed after a failed attempt to steal £119,898 through fraudulent VAT repayments.

Entrepreneur jailed for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 14, 2016 15:16 BST

Posted 14/06/2016

A man from London, who built up a successful business empire in the capital, has been jailed after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed that he had stolen £500,000 in VAT.

Would-be movie moguls guilty of running £100 million tax avoidance scam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 03, 2016 16:00 BST

Posted 03/06/2016

Four men have been found guilty of promoting and operating a fraudulent tax avoidance scheme, to defraud taxpayers out of £100 million. The men falsely claimed to have invested £275 million into film projects then used offshore companies to cover their tracks, but HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) exposed it as a scam.

Prolific Peterborough dealer is stubbed out HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 31, 2016 12:25 BST

Posted 31/05/2016

A Peterborough man, who evaded more than £168,000 in excise duty by repeatedly peddling illicit cigarettes and tobacco around the East of England, has been jailed.

Fake company tax fraud gang jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 26, 2016 16:38 BST

Posted 26/05/2016

Twenty three members of a gang based in the West Midlands, Nottinghamshire and West Yorkshire, who stole £2.6 million in a VAT fraud have been jailed for more than 54 years.

Crime duo sentenced for laundering dirty cash HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 25, 2016 11:38 BST

Posted 25/05/2016

Two men have been sentenced for laundering the profits of crime after they were caught with cash totalling £166,000, in an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Two jailed for smuggling 2.7m cigarettes HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 18, 2016 12:54 BST

Posted 18/05/2016

Two men have been jailed after they were caught red-handed using a Hampshire barn to store more than 2.7 million smuggled cigarettes, evading around £660,000 in excise duty.

Manchester couple sentenced after crime cash seized HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 06, 2016 11:55 BST

Posted 06/05/2016

A Middleton couple have been sentenced for money laundering after over £336,000 of criminal cash was seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from their home.

£15m fraud gang jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 25, 2016 15:13 BST

Posted 25/04/2016

A criminal gang caught red-handed with bundles of ‘dirty’ cash, part of £15 million made from selling alcohol illegally in the UK, has been jailed for a total of 19 years.

Payments from beyond the grave exposed by tax crime HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 13, 2016 14:37 BST

Posted 13/04/2016

Harrow accountant Abu Talib Ghadiri, 34, has been found guilty for his involvement in a £400,000 Gift Aid and VAT fraud after an intensive investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC statement on ICIJ story HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 04, 2016 08:14 BST

Posted 04/04/2016

Jennie Granger, HMRC Director General of Enforcement and Compliance, said:

“HMRC is committed to exposing and acting on financial wrongdoing and we relentlessly pursue tax evaders to ensure that they pay every penny of taxes and fines they owe.

VAT fraud gang ordered to repay more than £114m criminal profits HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 24, 2016 17:32 GMT

Posted 24/03/2016

Four convicted fraudsters, who were part of an 18-strong crime gang involved in a vast mobile phone VAT fraud, have been ordered to repay more than £111 million in criminal profits.

Payback time for payroll tax fraudster HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 21, 2016 14:50 GMT

Posted 22/03/2016

A businessman from Reading, who stole more than £1 million from his workers’ pay packets, has been ordered to repay criminal profits of £884,023, within six months, or remain in prison for a further six years.

Staffordshire company director jailed for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 03, 2016 11:50 GMT

Posted 11/03/2016

A Staffordshire company director, who pretended to trade in designer jewellery, IT services and sports equipment to steal more than £204,000 VAT, has been jailed after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) exposed his fraud.

Wealthy bankers’ bonuses speculative scheme denied in court HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 09, 2016 12:24 GMT

Posted 09/03/2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has shut down a major tax avoidance scheme used by banking giants UBS and Deutsche Bank (DB), designed to avoid around £135 million in tax.

Security company boss who absconded from court finally under lock and key HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 04, 2016 14:11 GMT

Posted 04/03/2016

The owner of a Nottinghamshire security firm, who ran away from court minutes before he was due to be sentenced for pocketing £300,000 in VAT he charged customers instead of handing it over to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), has been given a 28-month prison term.

Eight arrested in Manchester multi-agency operation HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 25, 2016 18:32 GMT

Posted 25/02/2016

Eight men were arrested and 11 premises searched during a multi-agency operation in Manchester yesterday (24 February).

Banned IT director jailed for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 23, 2016 13:00 GMT

Posted 23/02/2016

A businesswoman, banned from being a company director, has been jailed after she stole more than £158,000 from her employees’ tax and National Insurance contributions (NIC) and pocketed a further £141,500 in unpaid VAT.

Horse sense evades jailed tax fraudster HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 16, 2016 19:26 GMT

Posted 16/02/2016

A Widnes man who pretended to trade in equine medicine and claimed to have a £25 million bank balance, has been jailed after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) exposed his £2 million VAT fraud.

Taxman seizes more than £2 billion from tax avoidance scheme users HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 08, 2016 14:47 GMT

Posted 08/02/2016

New statistics reveal that HMRC has collected more than £2 billion in disputed tax from tax avoiders, under rules introduced by the government in 2014.

Eight arrested in fuel fraud raids HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 04, 2016 12:22 GMT

Posted 04/02/2016

Eight men have been arrested and 55,000 litres of fuel seized, as part of an ongoing investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) into a suspected fuel smuggling fraud worth an estimated £3 million in evaded tax.

Game over for football fan fraudster HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 27, 2016 15:26 GMT

Posted 27/01/2016

A Liverpool man who evaded over £91,700 of VAT and then fled to Benidorm to hide from the taxman, has been jailed after returning to the UK to attend an Everton home game.

The pensioner, the barman and the cannabis deal that never was: how two money launderers came unstuck HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 20, 2016 17:05 GMT

Posted 20/01/2016

Two men, who were caught exchanging more than £100,000 in cash outside a Barnsley working men’s club, have been jailed after they were investigated for money laundering offences by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

‘I had an argument with my wife and went to Italy for five years’: top 10 worst tax return excuses revealed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 15, 2016 00:01 GMT

Posted 15/01/2016

From broken kitchen appliances, hungry pets and arguments that last five years – some people will stop at nothing to pass the blame for their tardy timekeeping.

Lin Homer to step down as HMRC CEO in April HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 11, 2016 11:02 GMT

Posted 11/01/2016

Lin Homer has announced today that she is to leave HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in April, after more than four years as Chief Executive and Permanent Secretary and a public service career spanning 36 years.

Tens of thousands ring in the new year by submitting tax returns

Posted 05/01/2016

A record-breaking 24,546 people submitted their tax return online on New Year’s Eve, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

HMRC’s achievements in 2015 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 30, 2015 23:55 GMT

Posted 30/12/2015

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has had a very successful year with record-breaking and sustained results through 2015 by increasing revenues, reducing costs and improving customer service. The continued transformation through digital services, including new powers being provided to HMRC due from 2016 onwards, means the department is on target to further improve customer service and crackdown on tax cheats, bringing vital revenues for public services.

Seasons Greetings

Posted 21/12/2015

All of the team here at Solar would like to wish all our customers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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Tax gets digital with the launch of online Personal Tax Accounts HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 14, 2015 00:01 GMT

Posted 14/12/2015

UK taxpayers will now be able to manage their tax affairs online with the official launch of Personal Tax Accounts.

Criminal gold raises £2.2 million HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 04, 2015 11:35 GMT

Posted 04/12/2015

150 kilos of smuggled gold, which was seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as part of a £9 million smuggling investigation has been sold at auction raising almost £2.2 million.

HMRC writes to Scottish Rate of Income Tax payers HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 30, 2015 12:29 GMT

Posted 30/11/2015

HM Revenue and Customs will start sending letters this week to potential Scottish taxpayers as part of the next stage of preparations for the introduction of the Scottish Rate of Income Tax.

Illicit tobacco and alcohol seized in Somerset HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 20, 2015 14:12 GMT

Posted 20/11/2015

An operation to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and alcohol in Somerset led to the arrest of one man, and uncovered more than 45,000 cigarettes and over 80 litres of spirits.

Two jailed in tobacco trading fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 17, 2015 14:38 GMT

Posted 17/11/2015

Two men, who were caught red-handed trading in smuggled, counterfeit tobacco have been jailed, after they were investigated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

London conveyancer jailed for stamp duty fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 16, 2015 16:36 GMT

Posted 13/11/2015

A conveyancer from Harrow, who swindled his clients and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) out of almost £352,500 in stamp duty land tax, was jailed for three years and four months on Friday (13 November).

HMRC announces next step in its ten-year modernisation programme to become a tax authority fit for the future HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 12, 2015 12:00 GMT

Posted 12/11/2015

HMRC has today announced the next step in its ten-year modernisation programme to create a tax authority fit for the future, committing to high-quality jobs and the creation of 13 new regional centres over the next five years, serving every nation and region in the UK.

Martial Arts tax fraudsters caged HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 06, 2015 16:00 GMT

Posted 06/11/2015

Five men, who were part of a seven-strong gang that tried to steal more than £1 million in tax by setting up sham companies they claimed traded in television broadcasting rights for cage fighting events, have been jailed for a total of almost 19 years.

Creative accountant jailed for stealing clients VAT payments HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 28, 2015 13:43 GMT

Posted 28/10/2015

A Londonderry accountant, who stole over £55,000 in VAT payments from one of his own clients, has been jailed for 12 months after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Fugitive cigarette smuggling kingpin jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 26, 2015 13:27 GMT

Posted 26/10/2015

A former County Durham milkman, who masterminded a plot to smuggle ten million illicit cigarettes into the UK, has been jailed after being extradited from Thailand by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to face justice.

UK tax gap falls to 6.4 per cent HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 22, 2015 09:30 BST

Posted 22/10/2015

The tax gap for 2013-14 was 6.4 per cent of tax due, continuing a long-term downward trend, reflecting that HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) approach is delivering steady, and sustained progress.

Crackdown on tax cheats nets £109m in just six months HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 16, 2015 13:48 BST

Posted 16/10/2015

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) taskforces have brought in £109 million in the last six months it was revealed today. That includes £64.9 million recovered in the first three months of this year, more than double the figure for the same period in 2014.

HMRC’s landlord campaign brings in more than £50 million HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 14, 2015 13:37 BST

Posted 15/10/2015

A campaign aimed at helping residential landlords get their tax affairs in order has brought in more than £50 million, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today.

Over 1 million cigarettes seized across Manchester HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 09, 2015 11:19 BST

Posted 09/10/2015

An operation to disrupt the sale and supply of suspected illegal tobacco and alcohol in Manchester and Bolton uncovered over one million cigarettes and over 74 litres of alcohol, all believed to be illicit.

Tobacco smugglers fall foul of HMRC in smuggling attempt HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 06, 2015 14:55 BST

Posted 06/10/2015

Four men who smuggled 2.7 million cigarettes and over 774kg of tobacco into the UK, most of them hidden in a cover load of frozen chickens, have been sentenced.

Swindling chartered surveyor and ‘racehorse owner’ jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 30, 2015 15:30 BST

Posted 02/10/2015

A chartered surveyor, who attempted to steal almost £213,000 in Income Tax and VAT by failing to declare his earnings and submitting false repayment claims for the upkeep of a racehorse called ‘Thunder Cat’, and four others, has been jailed for 18 months.

HMRC recovers £20 million from Tax Cheats in South Wales and South West England HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 28, 2015 15:12 BST

Posted 29/09/2015

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) today announced that twotaskforces taking on tax cheats in South Wales and South West England have collected over £20 million in just three years.

Fourteen arrested in suspected £78m landfill tax fraud investigation HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 23, 2015 08:36 BST

Posted 23/09/2015

Fourteen people have been arrested across the North East and Yorkshire today as part of an investigation into a suspected £78 million landfill tax fraud.

Three arrested in suspected £1m VAT fraud investigation HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 16, 2015 15:32 BST

Posted 17/09/2015

Three people from Glasgow have been arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in connection with a suspected £1 million VAT fraud linked to the catering trade.

Rogue fraud investigator jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 09, 2015 16:07 BST

Posted 09/09/2015

A former HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) criminal investigator from Birmingham, who tipped off his friends when their VAT scam was uncovered, has been jailed today.

Five arrested in suspected £5.5m tax fraud investigation HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 04, 2015 17:15 BST

Posted 04/09/2015

An international investigation into a suspected £5.5 million VAT and money laundering fraud has led to the arrest of five people in, Armagh, Merseyside and Birmingham.

Sweet smell of failure for Manchester smuggler HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 28, 2015 17:26 BST

Posted 28/08/2015

A company director, who was jailed for smuggling over three tonnes of tobacco disguised as scented pot pourri through Manchester airport, has been ordered to repay £34,500 in stolen tax.

Five arrested in Tottenham for £1m tax evasion HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 24, 2015 15:16 BST

Posted 24/08/2015

Five men have been arrested in North London, on suspicion of smuggling, after an operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to tackle an estimated £1 million tax fraud.

Essex accountant jailed for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 21, 2015 16:35 BST

Posted 21/08/2015

An Essex accountant, who doctored his clients’ tax returns to steal £170,000 which he used to gamble, has been jailed after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigated him.

Cigarette smugglers must repay stolen tax HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 18, 2015 14:15 BST

Posted 19/08/2015

The ringleader of a gang that used an airline’s staff discount travel programme to smuggle cigarettes through UK airports has been handed a confiscation order for £348,705.

Payroll company director counting his way to jail HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 06, 2015 14:02 BST

Posted 06/08/2015

The director of three payroll and book-keeping companies who stole over £250,000 to keep his business afloat by pocketing his employees’ tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and failing to pay VAT bills has been jailed for two years.

Fake vodka factory found in Cheshire HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 03, 2015 15:38 BST

Posted 05/08/2015

An illegal alcohol factory, containing 130,000 litres of potentially toxic fake vodka, worth £1.7 million in unpaid duty, was uncovered in an industrial unit in Widnes last Friday (31 July 2015).

HMRC takes next step towards creating a digital future for taxpayers HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 05, 2015 15:34 BST

Posted 05/08/2015

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) today announced that it will bring some existing IT services under its direct control, while it continues to plan the transition to a new IT delivery model following the ending of the Aspire contract in 2017.

Welsh weightlifter jailed for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 31, 2015 15:12 BST

Posted 31/07/2015

A Swansea scrap merchant and recycling boss, who represented Wales in weightlifting at three Commonwealth Games, has been jailed after he failed to pay over £350,000 of VAT.

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Testing times ahead for fuel fraudsters HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 27, 2015 16:19 BST

Posted 27/07/2015

Treasury Minister Damian Hinds visited Belfast and Newry today as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) unveiled new roadside fuel testing equipment to tackle the trade in illicit diesel.

‘Ghost’ second-hand car dealer jailed for £780,000 tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 22, 2015 12:38 BST

Posted 23/07/2015

A second-hand car dealer from Gloucestershire who traded millions of pounds worth of cars for at least 14 years but kept no records and paid no tax has been jailed for four years and eight months.

HMRC delivered record tax revenues in 2014-15 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 16, 2015 17:18 BST

Posted 17/07/2015

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today that it collected a record £517.7 billion in tax in 2014-15 (an increase of £12 billion on the previous year), as a result of economic growth and the continued crackdown on tax evasion and avoidance.

Teaching the facts of tax HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 13, 2015 11:42 BST

Posted 14/07/2015

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new resource for teachers to help their students learn the facts of tax.

Scam emails double during tax credits renewal period HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 01, 2015 11:00 BST

Posted 06/07/2015

Fraudsters are targeting tax credits claimants with scam emails, fake websites and text messages in the run-up to the 31 July renewals deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) warned today.

Belfast builder jailed for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 26, 2015 12:23 BST

Posted 26/06/2015

A Belfast builder, who failed to pay any Income Tax or VAT for his construction business, has been jailed for tax fraud after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Break-in exposes bootleg tobacco hoard HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 24, 2015 15:51 BST

Posted 25/06/2015

A Barnsley man whose haul of illicit tobacco was discovered after a break-in at his home has been jailed for 18 months following an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

One million people renew their tax credits HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 18, 2015 16:19 BST

Posted 22/06/2015

Thousands of people have already used the tax credit online renewal service in the early hours of the morning, new statistics reveal today.

Jail for trio as international luxury car tax scam smashed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 17, 2015 11:35 BST

Posted 17/06/2015

Three car traders behind a £1.3 million VAT fraud, involving prestige and luxury cars being shipped worldwide, were jailed today for a total of more than 14 years.

Lincolnshire taxi driver sentenced for excise fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 15, 2015 14:37 BST

Posted 15/06/2015

A Lincolnshire taxi driver who was caught with more than a tonne and a half of illicit tobacco has been sentenced after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC wins millions from Abbey National avoidance case HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 12, 2015 12:23 BST

Posted 12/06/2015

HMRC has won a major tax avoidance case against Abbey National Treasury Services PLC (ANTS) and Cater Allen International Ltd (CAIL), protecting more than £16 million for UK taxpayers after the courts decided against their attempt to avoid paying corporation tax on the interest on floating loan rate notes. In total, the ruling will protect over £86 million, as four similar cases were awaiting the ruling.

HMRC urges contractors and freelancers to settle tax bills HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 09, 2015 13:15 BST

Posted 11/06/2015

Contractors and freelancers only have until the end of June to register for the Contractor Loans Settlement Opportunity (CLSO), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) warned today.

Tax credits error and fraud reduced to an all-time low HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 04, 2015 12:01 BST

Posted 05/06/2015

Error and fraud in the tax credits system has been reduced to its lowest level since tax credits were introduced in 2003.

Four arrested in London tobacco raids HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 05, 2015 15:31 BST

Posted 05/06/2015

Four men from London have been arrested on suspicion of tobacco smuggling after an operation to disrupt the illegal trade yesterday.

One month to go before new rules kick in for employment agencies

Posted 03/06/2015

Employment agencies have until 5 August to make sure they are complying with new HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) rules.

Jail for VAT fraudster who pocketed friend’s tax and National Insurance

Posted 02/06/2015

A County Durham businessman who left a ‘black hole’ in his friend’s state pension fund by failing to pass on his Income Tax and National Insurance deductions to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has been jailed.

Salford couple jailed for £3.8m tobacco duty fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 28, 2015 15:04 BST

Posted 29/05/2015

A couple from Manchester have been jailed for a £3.8 million excise fraud, involving over 25 tonnes of counterfeit tobacco, after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

North East VAT fraudster jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 22, 2015 17:12 BST

Posted 26/05/2015

A businessman who ran three international export companies from his County Durham home has been jailed after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) uncovered his £198,000 VAT fraud.

68,000 litres of alcohol seized in overnight operation HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 21, 2015 12:45 BST

Posted 22/05/2015

Over 68 thousand litres of alcohol and three lorries have been seized in an overnight operation to crackdown on excise fraud and smuggling in the Port of Dover.

Van driver jailed for tobacco fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 15, 2015 13:52 BST

Posted 19/05/2015

A van driver was jailed yesterday after 1.37 million smuggled cigarettes found in his van were seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in Manchester.

12 arrested as part of a new clampdown to tackle tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 15, 2015 10:48 BST

Posted 15/05/2015

12 people were arrested in the latest clampdown on tax fraud launched yesterday by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Harrogate VAT fraudster sentenced HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 08, 2015 17:58 BST

Posted 11/05/2015

A North Yorkshire bookseller who made fraudulent VAT repayment claims in an attempt to steal more than £320,000 has been sentenced following an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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Belfast consultant jailed for tax evasion HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 23, 2015 16:55 BST

Posted 01/05/2015

A partially retired ear, nose and throat consultant who evaded £700,000 in tax has been sentenced after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Wiltshire pair sentenced for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 17, 2015 16:32 BST

Posted 20/04/2015

The former director of an eco-electrical manufacturing company has been sentenced, alongside the company’s Finance and IT Manager, for a £220,000 VAT fraud following an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Southampton mum jailed for benefit fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 09, 2015 19:12 BST

Posted 10/04/2015

A woman from Southampton who stole £109,000 in benefits and Tax Credits by fraudulently claiming she was single has been jailed for nine months.

Decorators wife sentenced for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 01, 2015 16:43 BST

Posted 08/04/2015

A Margate woman who attempted to pass off vet’s bills, food shopping and family treats, including a car for her daughter, as business expenses has been sentenced for committing an £18,000 tax fraud.

Edinburgh man sentenced for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 27, 2015 12:46 GMT

Posted 01/04/2015

A company director, who admitted falsifying business records to steal almost £220,000 in VAT refunds, has been electronically tagged for eight months and ordered to pay £100,000 in compensation after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Pastor sentenced for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 23, 2015 15:36 GMT

Posted 23/03/2015

A self-employed Hertfordshire pastor, who withheld details of his income to dodge £72,000 in tax, has been sentenced today after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Prison for Leicestershire VAT fraudster HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 13, 2015 16:55 GMT

Posted 16/03/2015

A Leicestershire businessman who fraudulently claimed to be supplying women’s clothes to Parisian shops so that he could reclaim £670,000 in VAT has been jailed for two years after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

High risk promoters of tax avoidance face government clampdown HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 07, 2015 10:00 GMT

Posted 09/03/2015

Today the government is taking further tough action to crack down on tax avoidance promoters.

HMRC seizes cigarettes and tobacco HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 26, 2015 15:09 GMT

Posted 27/02/2015

Almost a tonne of raw leaf tobacco and 10,000 suspected illicit cigarettes have been seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC launches Charities Digital Service HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 16, 2015 10:42 GMT

Posted 17/02/2015

Charities can now register their details online with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC wins Eclipse court case to protect £635 million in tax HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 17, 2015 14:44 GMT

Posted 17/02/2015

The Court of Appeal today ruled in favour of HM Revenue and Customs against Eclipse Film Partners (No 35) LLP, protecting an estimated £635 million in tax.

Online tax summaries available now HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 09, 2015 12:58 GMT

Posted 09/02/2015

More than eight million taxpayers who filed their 2013-14 tax return electronically by the 31 January deadline can now access their online tax summary.

HMRC map pinpoints tax crime HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 06, 2015 10:30 GMT

Posted 06/02/2015

An online map pinpointing tax cheats around the country together with their crime and sentence has been launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The map allows people to see the impact of HMRC’s enforcement work.

HMRC puts forward new measures to tackle persistent tax avoiders HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 30, 2015 14:43 GMT

Posted 30/01/2015

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has today published the consultation paper, ‘Strengthening Sanctions for Tax Avoidance’, setting out proposals to tackle the serial use of tax avoidance schemes.

Intimate waxing? Top five worst tax return expense claims revealed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 24, 2016 00:01 GMT

Posted 24/01/2015

As the countdown to the Self Assessment deadline begins, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed the top five most outrageous personal expenses claims included in 2013-14 Self Assessment tax returns.

Countdown to tax return deadline HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 21, 2015 11:25 GMT

Posted 21/01/2015

There are just 10 days left to send your 2013-14 tax return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and avoid a £100 late-filing penalty.

Essex civil servant sentenced for tax credits fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 20, 2015 12:20 GMT

Posted 20/01/2015

An Essex woman who fraudulently claimed over £86,000 in tax credits by lying about her personal circumstances to receive higher payments has been sentenced.

Manchester tobacco crime gang jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 13, 2015 09:55 GMT

Posted 13/01/2015

Four men have been sentenced for their role in a plot to flood Greater Manchester with duty free cigarettes and tobacco and launder their criminal profits.

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Charity conmen jailed for £500k Gift Aid fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 12, 2016 11:38 GMT

Posted 12/01/2015

Two unemployed men from Essex, who invented fake charities and donations so they could fraudulently reclaim over £500,000 in Gift Aid repayments, have both been jailed for 30 months.

Taxman reveals top 10 terrible tax excuses HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 05, 2015 10:01 GMT

Posted 06/01/2015

Ten of the most terrible excuses for missing the 31 January tax return deadline have been revealed today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

A very Merry Christmas to you!

Posted 16/12/2014

Thank you for working with us this year and we look forward to an exciting 2015.

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Solicitors targeted in new tax clampdown

Posted 08/12/2014

Solicitors are being given the chance by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to bring their tax affairs up to date or face tougher penalties, as part of a new tax campaign.

Illegal tobacco factory uncovered in Hampshire HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 25, 2014 10:40 GMT

Posted 25/11/2014

An illegal tobacco processing factory has been discovered at an industrial unit in Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire.

Rochdale clothing boss jailed for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 19, 2014 14:49 GMT

Posted 19/11/2014

A Rochdale businessman, who pocketed nearly £1.25 million in two VAT repayment frauds, has been jailed for five years after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Bolton accountant arrested for suspected tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 13, 2014 13:02 GMT

Posted 13/11/2014

An investigation is underway into the financial affairs of an accountant from Bolton who has been arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on suspicion of tax fraud offences.

Ten things you need to know about tax avoidance HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 05, 2014 09:55 GMT

Posted 05/11/2014

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) today issued a list of ‘10 things a tax avoidance scheme promoter won’t always tell you’.

Paper tax returns a no-no from November HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 03, 2014 13:16 GMT

Posted 03/11/2014

If you haven’t yet sent your 2013/14 tax return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), remember not to do it on paper – or you’ll end up with a £100 late-filing penalty.

The 31 October paper-filing deadline for 2013/14 tax returns has now passed. Even if you have no tax to pay, or you eventually pay your tax on time, a late paper return will still land you with the £100 penalty.

Cigarette smuggling gang jailed

Posted 27/10/2014

Two men who tried to hide their criminal cash by stashing it inside their wardrobes have been jailed along with one other member of their cigarette smuggling gang, after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). A fourth gang member will be sentenced next month.

Gone phishing – 75,000 fake tax refund emails reported

Posted 20/10/2014

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers to be on their guard against fraudulent
phishing emails, after almost 75,000 fake emails were reported to the taxman over the last six months.

Essex charity conman sentenced

Posted 10/10/2014

The principal trustee of a charity, who attempted to steal over £100,000 in a Gift Aid tax relief fraud, has been sentenced after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Fourteen arrested in suspected £40m money laundering plot

Posted 08/10/2014

Fourteen people were arrested in dawn raids yesterday by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on suspicion of laundering the proceeds of a multi-million pound alcohol fraud.

University brought to book over tax avoidance HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 03, 2014 10:28 BST

Posted 03/10/2014

A tax tribunal has backed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in yet another tax avoidance case – this time against a university which claimed over £600,000 in VAT.

Jailed former tax association president and co-conspirator ordered to pay back £5.1m HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 30, 2014 14:18 BST

Posted 30/09/2014

A former president of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) and a fellow company director who were both jailed for a £5 million pension scheme tax fraud have been ordered to
pay back a total of £5.1 million.

Bookkeeper jailed for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 25, 2014 12:01 BST

Posted 25/09/2014

A Surrey bookkeeper who stole from her employers has been jailed for tax fraud, following an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

137,000 litres of alcohol seized in UK during Europe-wide crackdown HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 24, 2014 15:07 BST

Posted 24/09/2014

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has seized illicit alcohol and disrupted alcohol-related criminal gangs as part of a Europe-wide initiative tackling international organised crime.

Crackdown on VAT tax dodgers in the Midlands HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 19, 2014 12:10 BST

Posted 19/09/2014

A taskforce tackling fraudulent VAT repayments in the Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke and Wolverhampton areas was launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Four arrested in tobacco raids HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 17, 2014 13:05 BST

Posted 17/09/2014

Three men and a woman have been arrested and tobacco worth an estimated £287,000 seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) last Friday (12 September).

Penalties for late real-time PAYE returns to be phased in HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 09, 2014 16:14 BST

Posted 10/09/2014

Employers with fewer than 50 employees will face automated in-year penalties for late real-time PAYE returns from 6 March next year.

Bury man jailed for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 09, 2014 11:51 BST

Posted 09/09/2014

Andrew Buckner, director of KRKCI Ltd between 2009 and 2012, claimed to organise functions in the north west of England under the name ‘Kid Rock Events’

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Crackdown on property tax dodgers HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 08, 2014 12:12 BST

Posted 08/09/2014

A taskforce tackling people trying to dodge property tax in the north west and north Wales was launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Tea leaf tobacco smugglers sentenced HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 04, 2014 17:23 BST

Posted 05/09/2014

Three people from the West Midlands have been sentenced today for their role in a £1.7 million tobacco smuggling ring.

No immunity from tax for vaccine avoidance scheme

Posted 04/09/2014

A tax avoidance scheme which abused the reliefs offered for research into life-saving vaccines to claim back £77 million in tax has been rejected again by a tribunal.

HMRC appoints two new Non-Executive Directors

Posted 01/09/2014

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors.

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New criminal offence and penalties for offshore tax evaders

Posted 26/08/2014

People with undeclared offshore tax liabilities are being urged to come forward and pay what they owe or face prosecution, under new rules announced by the government today.

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HMRC to close EBT settlement opportunity

Posted 14/08/2014

A settlement opportunity for employers who have used Employee Benefit Trusts (EBT) to avoid tax will close in March 2015, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today.

Payback time for electrical VAT fraudster

Posted 12/08/2014

A Staffordshire man jailed for stealing over £372,000 by making fraudulent VAT repayment claims has been ordered to pay money back or face an extra two years in jail. The confiscation order comes after a financial investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Read More

Newport mini-market tax fraudsters sentenced

Posted 06/08/2014

A father and son who failed to declare the income from their Newport mini-market have been jailed.

1 million tax credits claimants to lose benefit if they don't take action

Posted 29/07/2014

With the tax credits renewal deadline just one week away, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding claimants to renew or face losing their payments.

More than 865,000 claimants have still not yet renewed their tax credits. They have until 31 July to do so, or their payments might end. Last year more than 650,000 people failed to renew on time.

Pay up time for offshore loan schemes

Posted 25/07/2014

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is today giving around 16,000 tax avoidance scheme users the opportunity to pay the tax they owe or risk facing bigger tax bills and heavy legal costs.

On average, each of the users of the contractor loan schemes covered by this settlement opportunity owes £11,000 a year in tax.

Woman arrested in fuel fraud raid

Posted 17/07/2014

A woman has been arrested after a laundering plant capable of producing nearly 3.6 million litres of

illicit fuel a year and evading over £2 million in lost duty and taxes was discovered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during a search of domestic premises in Co Armagh yesterday.

Cigarette smugglers jailed after North Yorks raid

Posted 08/07/2014

Four Polish men who attempted to smuggle nearly two million cigarettes into the UK hidden in furniture boxes have been jailed.

Read More

HMRC Let Property Campaign letters

Posted 07/07/2014

The Let Property Campaign gives buy-to-let and other private landlords an opportunity to settle and regularise their tax affairs on favourable terms and affordable payment plans.

Tax credits online renewal form launched

Posted 03/07/2014

With the tax credits renewal deadline of July 31 less than one month away, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new online service for all claimants to use.

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Man jailed after 4.4m cigarettes seized in Aberystwyth

Posted 24/06/2014

A company director has been jailed for two years after illegally importing 4.4 million cigarettes destined for the illicit market in west Wales.

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No tax relief for McLaren fine

Posted 18/06/2014

Formula 1 racing giant McLaren has lost its claim that a £32 million fine imposed against it by the sport’s governing body should be tax deductible.

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Devon accountant jailed for VAT fraud

Posted 17/06/2014

An accountant from North Devon who developed a hands-free megaphone system has been jailed after pleading guilty to a £95,000 VAT fraud.

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Bodging builder jailed for £96k VAT fraud

Posted 16/06/2014

A West Midlands builder who set up multiple fake companies to commit a £96,000 VAT fraud, and left some of his customers with unfinished work, has been sentenced to 16 months in jail.

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Lights out for electrician jailed for VAT fraud

Posted 09/06/2014

An electrician from Surrey who fraudulently claimed over £1.5 million in VAT repayments to fund a lavish lifestyle has been jailed for three years and eight months.

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Payback time for Kent VAT fraudster

Posted 05/06/2014

A Kent man who stole from the taxpayer by submitting fraudulent VAT returns has been ordered to pay back more than £62,000, or face another 19 months in jail.

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Tax credits claimants reminded to renew it or lose it

Posted 03/06/2014

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending out 5.8 million tax credits renewals packs which will arrive by 30 June. Over 3 million of these claims need to be renewed before the deadline for claimants to continue receiving tax credits. Last year some 650,000 claimants had their money stopped because they did not renew by the 31 July deadline.

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Thousands chased by HMRC debt collectors due to overpaid tax credits

Posted 30/05/2014

False Economy's figures show HMRC relied on 12 debt collectors to right its own mistakes on 215,144 occasions

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HMRC crackdown yields record £23.9bn in additional tax

Posted 27/05/2014

The government has raised a record £23.9bn in additional tax for the year to the end of March as a result of a crackdown on tax avoidance.

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HMRC gains record revenues with crackdown on tax dodgers

Posted 27/05/2014

New figures published today show that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) secured a record £23.9 billion in additional tax revenue over the last year as a result of increased activity to make sure people pay the taxes they owe.

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Landlords get online tax training

Posted 22/05/2014

Landlords are being offered online training in tax matters from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The computer-based tutorials will make it easier for them to understand when and how to pay tax on property they have let out.

Seven detained in VAT fraud investigation

Posted 16/05/2014

Six men and one woman have been detained by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in connection with a suspected VAT fraud estimated to be worth over £100,000.

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MPs raise concerns over new tax powers in Budget

Posted 13/05/2014

Plans to allow the tax authority to settle unpaid demands by taking money from people's bank accounts have been criticised by a group of MPs.

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Armagh man arrested in VAT fraud investigation

Posted 08/05/2014

A company director from Armagh has been arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in connection with a suspected £300,000 VAT fraud.

Read More

Tax credits claimants told to renew early

Posted 06/05/2014

The 609,400 people who receive tax credits in London are being reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to renew early before the 31 July deadline to avoid a last minute rush.

Read More

Accountant jailed for VAT fraud

Posted 01/05/2014

An Essex accountant who claimed £340,000 in fraudulent VAT repayments has been jailed for four years and three months, after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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Tax avoidance scheme could double brewers bill

Posted 29/04/2014

A tax avoidance scheme designed to make taxable interest payments disappear has been blocked for the second time by a tax tribunal.

Read More

Conspirators jailed after six million cigarettes seized

Posted 22/04/2014

Four men, who tried to evade over £1.3 million in duty and taxes due on sales of almost six million illegal cigarettes, have been sentenced today after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Read More

Stockport plumber arrested for tax fraud

Posted 17/04/2014

A 36-year-old plumber from the Stockport area was arrested this week on suspicion of failing to pay the correct personal and business taxes for almost 10 years.

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£28m cigarette smuggling gang jailed

Posted 14/04/2014

Seven men have been jailed for a combined 24 years after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) smashed a £28 million cigarette smuggling conspiracy.

Read More

£28m cigarette smuggling gang jailed

Posted 14/04/2014

Seven men have been jailed for a combined 24 years after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) smashed a £28 million cigarette smuggling conspiracy.

Tribunal holds recruiter to account for temps tax bill

Posted 11/04/2014

One of the UK’s largest employment agencies, Reed, has been found liable for up to £158 million of unpaid tax due on the salaries of thousands of temporary workers it employed, known as “employed temps”.

Read More

Estate agents get guidance to block money laundering

Posted 08/04/2014

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published new guidance to help estate agency businesses stay on the right side of Money Laundering Regulations.

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HMRC reveals 10 worst excuses for not paying the minimum wage

Posted 04/04/2014

Employers are giving elaborate excuses for not paying the National Minimum Wage (NMW), when challenged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers, the department revealed today.

Read More

Illegal goods seized in self-storage site crackdown

Posted 31/03/2014

More than 500,000 illicit cigarettes and 276 kilos of smuggled hand-rolling tobacco have been seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in an operation targeting self-storage units across the North East.

Read More

HMRC to focus on Landlords in latest Tax crackdown

Posted 25/03/2014

HMRC is ratcheting up its ongoing crackdown on tax evasion with its latest focus on landlords who let out residential property, whether at home or overseas, and Mike Harrison, Partner in accountant firm Saffery Champness says that rural landlords will be as much in the sights of HMRC as any other.

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Largest ever illicit alcohol haul seized in Wales

Posted 24/03/2014

A man from Cardiff has been arrested after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seized over 169,000 litres of illicit alcohol, in what is believed to be the largest ever seizure of its kind in Wales. It is estimated that the wine, beer and spirits are worth £303,000 in lost duty and taxes.

Read More

Tax credits checks for Newcastle customers

Posted 19/03/2014

Tax credits customers in Newcastle who are now living with a partner are being reminded to update their tax credits claim as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) launches a new campaign to reduce tax credits error and fraud.

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15 arrested in suspected £30m VAT fraud investigation

Posted 14/03/2014

Fifteen men have been arrested across the country as part of an investigation into a suspected £30 million VAT fraud linked to the electronic communications industry.

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Cardiff printer must pay £135k for VAT fraud

Posted 11/03/2014

A Cardiff VAT fraudster has been told to pay HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) almost £135,000, or serve 32 weeks in jail.

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London money launderer jailed

Posted 04/03/2014

A man found guilty of laundering the proceeds from a £5.3 million alcohol smuggling plot was jailed yesterday for five and a half years.

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Leicester workshop offers small high-tech firms advice on innovation

Posted 26/02/2014

Small and medium-sized high-tech companies are being invited to a free workshop in Leicester on support available for business growth, research and development (R&D) tax credits and innovation. The event will be held on Tuesday 18 March at Stamford Court, University of Leicester.

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Second-hand car dealer tax scheme scrapped

Posted 24/02/2014

A tribunal has found that a tax avoidance scheme which involved celebrities, fund managers and other high earners claiming that they were second-hand car dealers in their spare time did not work.

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Crackdown launched on hidden wealth in London

Posted 12/02/2014

A taskforce tackling tax dodgers who hide their wealth was launched yesterday by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Warwickshire man jailed for tax fraud

Posted 06/02/2014

A Kenilworth man who spent money on property instead of paying nearly £260,000 to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) was sentenced today to two and a half years in prison.

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Record-breaking year for tax returns

Posted 04/02/2014

More than 10 million tax returns were received by the 31 January filing deadline, beating last year’s total of 9.61 million, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed yesterday.

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NT Advisors loses £100m offshore tax avoidance bid

Posted 31/01/2014

A tax avoidance scheme sold by serial avoidance promoter NT Advisors has lost its third bid for legitimacy, saving the country £100 million.

Read More

Tax return deadline just days away

Posted 28/01/2014

If you’re one of the 2.8 million people who still haven’t filed their 2012-13 tax return, you’ve only got until midnight on Friday to do it online and pay what you owe.

Read More

Maybe its because Im a Londoner, that I leave tax so late

Posted 24/01/2014

Londoners are more likely to miss the tax return deadline than taxpayers in any other part of the UK, figures released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveal.

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Nearly 700 tax criminals convicted in 2013

Posted 09/01/2014

Almost 700 tax fraudsters and benefit cheats were convicted this year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced

Care sector abuse of minimum wage rules

Posted 25/11/2013

Care sector workers are in line for nearly £340,000 in back pay as a result of investigations by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

More than 2,400 workers in the care sector were underpaid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in the last two years across the United Kingdom. Over the two-year period, HMRC looked at jobs across the sector and investigated 224 employers. Some investigations are ongoing, but to date 88 cases have been found to be non-compliant.

Four arrested for suspected 3m cigarette smuggling fraud

Posted 19/11/2013

Four men have been arrested in West Suffolk by officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigating a suspected three million cigarette smuggling fraud.

HMRC Rental Property Campaign

Posted 15/11/2013

With the recent ending of the Property Sales Campaign on 6 September 2013, HMRC are continuing the theme of targeting property owners who have not declared the correct tax by offering a new campaign aimed at undeclared rental income.

Know your overseas shopping limits this Christmas

Posted 13/11/2013

Christmas shoppers looking for bargains overseas have been warned not to get hit by unexpected charges, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) cautioned.

Travellers going abroad to do Christmas shopping, or shoppers buying goods online from non-EU countries, are advised to check how much they can buy before customs duty or import VAT are due.

Tax cheats named by HMRC

Posted 12/11/2013

Names of tax cheats have been published on the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website today.

Publishing the names of deliberate tax defaulters ensures everyone pays their fair share, creates a level playing field for honest people and businesses, and cracks down on the minority who seek to evade tax. It is part of HMRC’s approach to combating tax evasion and non-compliance.

Remember, remember, its online from November

Posted 05/11/2013

If you haven’t yet sent in your 2012/13 tax return, remember to do it online to avoid a penalty.

If you send HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) a paper tax return from November onwards, you’ll receive a £100 late-filing penalty – even if you have no tax to pay, or you pay your tax bill on time. This is because the 31 October deadline for 2012/13 paper tax returns has now passed.

Fake butchers get the chop in £1m VAT fraud

Posted 22/10/2013

Nine men who pretended to be butchers, then made fraudulent VAT refund claims of £1 million by faking invoices, have been sentenced after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Deadline day for paper tax returns

Posted 21/10/2013

There are just days left to send your 2012/13 paper tax return to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), if you want to beat the 31 October deadline and avoid a penalty.

Multi-million pound carbon credit VAT fraudster to pay back £13 million

Posted 17/10/2013

A leader of an organised criminal gang who was jailed for 15 years for his part in a £38 million VAT fraud has been ordered to pay back nearly £13 million to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or face 10 further years in prison.

Physiotherapists and osteopaths among health professionals targeted in new tax campaign

Posted 08/10/2013

People in the health and wellbeing professions who have taxable income that they have not told HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about are being targeted in a new campaign launched today.

Solar TAXWISE Online Scheme Management proving a big hit with Accountancy clients

Posted 02/10/2013

Client testimonial

"Just wanted to say that the new website for Tax Fee Protection insurance is brilliant. It is so easy to use and some of our clients are actually doing the process themselves but I really don’t mind doing it for them as it is so quick and easy.

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HMRC Evasion Publicity Campaign

Posted 01/10/2013

HMRC is currently 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.

Read More

Newport man arrested on suspicion of £320k VAT fraud

Posted 30/09/2013

A Newport businessman has been arrested on suspicion of VAT fraud estimated at £320,000. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) criminal investigators arrested the man on Wednesday 25 September 2013.

Government sells 6 per cent of shares in Lloyds Banking Group, at 75p per share.

Posted 17/09/2013

The government has today begun the process of selling part of its shares in Lloyds Banking Group. It has sold 6 per cent of the shares in the bank, at a price of 75p per share.

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HMRC 2013 most wanted.

Posted 09/09/2013

HMRC has today published a gallery of its 2013 most wanted, and announced the capture of one of the most wanted tax criminal fugitives.

Read More

TAXWISE Questions answered, August 2013

Posted 21/08/2013

I have numerous outstanding personal Self-Assessment Tax Returns which I have not submitted to HMRC, I have read about an HMRC campaign in this respect, can I make use of this?

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TAXWISE Questions answered, August 2013

Posted 21/08/2013

I have numerous outstanding personal Self-Assessment Tax Returns which I have not submitted to HMRC, I have read about an HMRC campaign in this respect, can I make use of this?

Read More

HMRC wins battle against SDLT avoidance

Posted 13/08/2013

Successful court challenges against stamp duty land tax (SDLT) avoidance schemes by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have protected almost £400 million of taxpayers’ money in the last year.

TAXWISE Questions answered, August 2013

Posted 07/08/2013

Q) I have recently had a client approach me with a view to completing and submitting his outstanding Self Assessment Tax Returns. There are several years involved in order to bring his tax affairs up to date. He is however concerned that he will be charged large penalties and has asked if there is any way of mitigating his exposure.

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Time running out to catch up with second property tax

Posted 01/08/2013

People who have sold properties which are not their main homes, and have not told HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about any profit, have one month left to make use of the disclosure opportunity.

TAXWISE Bulletin - How to handle a serious fraud tax investigation

Posted 24/07/2013

HMRC is increasing the number of investigators to be directed at tackling serious fraud. For many years trying to evade tax was seen by many almost as a game rather than as possible criminal activity. The climate has recently changed as a result of the high profile tax avoidance cases which have been featured in the national press, and HMRC is increasing its activity in the area of tax evasion, taking advantage of the favourable publicity which it has received.

Tax credits claimants have one week to renew claims

Posted 22/07/2013

Tax credits claimants are being reminded that they have about one week to renew their claims by the 31 July deadline - or payments might stop.

Simplifying National Insurance for the self-employed

Posted 19/07/2013

Plans to simplify the way self-employed people pay National Insurance Contributions (NICs) have been published for consultation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Stamp Duty tax avoidance scheme scuppered

Posted 15/07/2013

A tax tribunal has ruled against a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) avoidance scheme, protecting £135 million in tax.

TAXWISE Questions answered, July 2013

Posted 10/07/2013

I bought a new van in 2010 with the intention of using it for business. However significant business use only began in January 2013 after the launch of my new website. The business has been successful and as a consequence is now required to register for VAT. Can I claim for input tax on expenditure incurred for business purposes prior to the date of registration?

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First Tax Assurance Commissioner Report published

Posted 08/07/2013

The first report by the new Tax Assurance Commissioner at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), detailing the department’s new approach to resolving disputes with taxpayers, has been published today.

£200 million digital investment supports growth and empowers millions

Posted 28/06/2013

HM Revenue and Customs’ Digital Services are to be transformed by £200 million of Government investment, as taxpayers get direct access to their tax affairs.

IR35: Advisers call for government consistency

Posted 24/06/2013

Governmental departments are inconsistent in deciding the tax arrangements of their workers, according to IR35 experts.

Further arrests for £3.6 million VAT fraud

Posted 22/06/2013

Four people were arrested on Wednesday (19 June) on suspicion of tax fraud estimated to exceed £3.6 million. This brings the total arrested in this investigation to nine, following the arrest of five others in December 2012.

HMRC prosecution targets in doubt

Posted 21/06/2013

HMRC is struggling to achieve its tax evasion prosecution targets, despite recruiting additional volume crime investigators and intelligence officers.

Record numbers of employers report PAYE in real time

Posted 18/06/2013

More than 1.4 million employer PAYE schemes are now reporting to HMRC in real time since the launch of new tax reporting requirements in April.

Tax adviser's trust scheme blocked

Posted 11/06/2013

A tax avoidance scheme which routed profits of a tax advisory business through employee benefit trusts has been closed by a tribunal.

Film producer guilty of VAT fraud

Posted 05/06/2013

The producer of the first modern British film to be shot in 3D has been found guilty of a £1.5 million VAT fraud.

Avoidance scheme lands Abbeyland with liability

Posted 04/06/2013

A property development company has failed in its attempt to avoid paying tax on a property sale by creating a “loss” of £1.6 million. It used a scheme that involved buying and surrendering investment bonds issued by a life assurance company.

Cigarette smuggling gang jailed

Posted 03/06/2013

A Kent man involved in attempts to flood the UK with 16 million illegal cigarettes has been jailed for three years.

£4m windfall for underpaid workers

Posted 30/05/2013

More than 26,000 workers denied the National Minimum Wage by their employers have received a £4 million windfall after action by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

TAXWISE Questions answered, May 2013

Posted 29/05/2013

I understand that HMRC have launched a campaign under which individuals who have not declared Capital Gains Tax on the sale of residential properties can make a disclosure. What are the details of this initiative?

Smuggled diesel seized at Cairnryan port

Posted 28/05/2013

A lorry carrying 24,000 litres of suspected laundered diesel has been seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at Cairnryan Port.

Clothing chain boss jailed for VAT fraud

Posted 21/05/2013

The managing director of a clothing chain, who failed to pay his VAT in full and pocketed almost £68,000 in tax and national insurance contributions deducted from his employees’ wages, has been jailed for 18 months.

Tax credit claimants warned over scam emails

Posted 20/05/2013

Tax credits claimants are being warned by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the run-up to the renewal deadline about scam or “phishing” emails sent out by fraudsters.

Car warranty tax scheme scuppered

Posted 14/05/2013

A tax avoidance scheme designed to avoid VAT on car repairs that could have cost the Exchequer £600 million a year has failed after a successful challenge by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Creative accountant cooks books in tax fraud

Posted 10/05/2013

A Nottinghamshire chartered accountant, who stole £153,000 of taxpayers’ money in an income tax fraud, has been jailed today after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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No Safe Havens for Offshore Tax Cheats

Posted 09/05/2013

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirmed today that it is working with the United States and Australian tax administrations (the IRS and ATO) on data which reveals extensive use of complex offshore structures to conceal assets by wealthy individuals and companies.

Record 220 million GBP haul from wealthy taxpayers

Posted 30/04/2013

A specialist unit dealing with the country’s wealthiest taxpayers brought in a record £220 million of extra tax last year, HMRC revealed today.

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HMRC helplines begin move to 03 numbers

Posted 29/04/2013

HMRC has moved several of its helplines from 0845 numbers to cheaper 03 numbers, with the full switch due to be complete by the end of summer.

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Bristol and West loses Corporation Tax avoidance case

Posted 26/04/2013

Bristol and West, owned by the Bank of Ireland, has lost an attempt at Tax Tribunal to avoid paying around £30 million tax on a £91 million gain. The company transferred a swap contract to another Bank of Ireland subsidiary in a flawed attempt to exploit what it thought was a loophole in the tax rules.

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May Day alert for late tax returns

Posted 22/04/2013

If you haven’t sent in your 2011/12 tax return online, be warned – you’ll be hit with more penalties from next month if you still haven’t filed.

TAXWISE Questions answered, April 2013

Posted 17/04/2013

One of my clients who owns several furnished properties overheard a conversation which stated that the renewals basis for furnished properties was being removed. Is this correct and what reliefs are still available?

New checks to tackle VAT car crime

Posted 16/04/2013

A new online system to stop criminals evading VAT on road vehicles they bring into the UK has been launched today by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

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IMPORTANT We have Moved

Posted 15/04/2013

We have moved to new offices. From today Monday the 15th April Our new Contact details are

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Island tax evaders told to come clean

Posted 10/04/2013

Tax cheats who have been hiding investments and assets in the Isle of Man, Guernsey or Jersey to evade tax are being asked to pay the tax they owe before HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) clamps down on them.

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Taxwise Questions answered - April

Posted 03/04/2013

I want to put in place measures to incentivise my staff. What options are available to me that I can use to incentivise staff but also maintain tax efficiency?

HMRC keeps up the pressure on tax cheats

Posted 28/03/2013

Tax cheats who become insolvent to dodge their companies’ tax obligations face up to five years’ scrutiny from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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A landscape of lies. Film tax fraudsters jailed for over 22 years

Posted 25/03/2013

A gang found guilty of making a film solely as a £2.8 million tax scam have been sentenced today in the first prosecution for film tax relief fraud.

Law breakers targeted in M4 road checks

Posted 21/03/2013

Three people have been arrested, 1.5 tonnes of tobacco seized and over 100 fixed penalty notices issued during a crackdown targeting motorists on the M4.

Property Sales campaign

Posted 18/03/2013

The Property Sales campaign is an opportunity for you to bring your tax up to date if you have sold a residential property, in the UK or abroad, that’s not your main home. If you made a profit but have not told HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), you might not have paid the right amount of tax. To take advantage of the best possible terms you must voluntarily disclose your income or gains and pay what you owe by 6 September 2013.

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HMRC to replace Enquiry Centres with home visits for customers who need help

Posted 14/03/2013

A new, flexible support service for 1.5 million customers who need extra help with their tax affairs will be piloted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from June.

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A Landscape of Lies. Film tax fraudsters guilty

Posted 13/03/2013

A gang who made a film solely as a £2.8 million tax scam have been convicted in the first prosecution for film tax relief fraud.

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Whatever the size of your business, get ready for PAYE changes

Posted 11/03/2013

An advertising campaign heralding the biggest overhaul of the PAYE system in almost 70 years was launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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Former tax association president jailed for tax fraud

Posted 07/03/2013

A former president of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) and a fellow company director have been jailed for eight and half years each for a £5 million pension scheme tax fraud.

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HMRC wins award from The Princes Trust

Posted 05/03/2013

The Prince’s Trust today awarded HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Gold Patron status for its work with young people.

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Film scheme didnt do what it said on the can

Posted 01/03/2013

A tax avoidance scheme marketed by Goldcrest Pictures Limited to some of the wealthiest people in society has failed to live up to its promise. The Tax Tribunal has ruled that the scheme, which was based on buying and selling film rights, simply didn’t work. Users not only had to pay the tax owed with no relief at all for the money they put into the scheme, but also ended up out of pocket as a result of paying fees to the company.

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Dentists get bite-sized online tax advice

Posted 28/02/2013

An online tax guide designed specially for dentists was launched today.

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HMRC offers fresh guidance on YouTube

Posted 27/02/2013

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published 21 additional videos on YouTube aimed at helping new and growing businesses.

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HMRC names tax cheats

Posted 26/02/2013

Names of deliberate tax defaulters have been published today on the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website for the first time.

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Financial advisers jailed for Gift Aid fraud

Posted 25/02/2013

A man and woman from Enfield who fraudulently tried to claim almost £145,000 in Gift Aid have each been jailed for two years.

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Second-hand car dealer tax scheme scrapped

Posted 24/02/2013

A tribunal has found that a tax avoidance scheme which involved celebrities, fund managers and other high earners claiming that they were second-hand car dealers in their spare time did not work.

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Online tax week for new and growing businesses

Posted 20/02/2013

For the first time businesses are being offered interactive support with their tax affairs by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

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Dont get caught on the net by tax rebate phishing scam

Posted 19/02/2013

Taxpayers reported almost 80,000 tax rebate phishing emails last year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed today, as they warn people not to fall victim to the email scams sent by fraudsters.

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Crackdown on tax evaders

Posted 18/02/2013

A taskforce tackling tax evasion in Northern Ireland was launched last week by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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Self Assessment tax crackdown in South East

Posted 12/02/2013

Self Assessment (SA) tax cheats in London and the South East will be targeted by a new HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) taskforce.

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Charities get online Gift Aid service

Posted 11/02/2013

Claiming gift aid repayments will be quicker and easier for charities and sports clubs from April, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said today.

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Spark goes out for electrical VAT fraudster

Posted 08/02/2013

A man who stole over £372,000 by making fraudulent VAT repayment claims, from over 500 false invoices, has been jailed for three years after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Alternative Dispute Resolution service

Posted 04/02/2013

Over 400 applications have been received by HM Revenue and Customs Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (ADR).

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Banks pay HMRC half a billion Swiss francs

Posted 29/01/2013

The ground breaking tax agreement between the UK and Switzerland which came into force on 1 January 2013 has delivered 342 million GBP as the first tranche of revenue to the UK.

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Direct sellers - one month to settle tax bills

Posted 28/01/2013

People selling directly to customers and who haven’t paid all the tax they owe have one month to come forward and pay up under an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) campaign.

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TAXWISE Questions Answered - January

Posted 25/01/2013

I sell goods over the internet to both business and non-business customers all over the world. Do I have to charge UK VAT; or will I be liable to register for VAT in other countries?

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Medical research tax avoidance scheme rejected by court

Posted 22/01/2013

A tax avoidance scheme, designed to abuse rules set up to encourage genuine medical research, has been successfully challenged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in court.

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Countdown to tax return deadline

Posted 17/01/2013

The countdown has begun to the 31 January Self Assessment deadline, with just days left for anyone with an outstanding 2011-12 tax return to send it online to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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HMRCs affluent unit to double in size

Posted 16/01/2013

The tax team dedicated to ensuring the better off play by the rules is set to expand, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said today.

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Businesses warned on late VAT returns

Posted 15/01/2013

As many as 50,000 businesses that have failed to submit VAT returns will be targeted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) this month with warnings that their tax affairs will be closely scrutinised.

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Updated Tax app launched

Posted 11/01/2013

Over 250,000 people have downloaded HM Revenue and Customs’ tax calculator app which allows people to work out how much tax they pay and how the Government spends it.

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Child benefit changes take effect

Posted 07/01/2013

More than a million better-off families will lose some or all of their child benefit, under changes which came into force at midnight.

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Thirty two top tax cheats get over 150 years behind bars

Posted 04/01/2013

The top tax criminals of 2012 have been sentenced to a combined total of 155 years and 10 months behind bars, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) announced today.

Gaming machine operators have just days left to register for new tax regime

Posted 02/01/2013

There are just a few days left for bookmakers, casinos, amusement arcades, bingo halls, pubs, clubs and other venues operating gaming machines to register for Machine Games Duty (MGD).

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1548 Tax returns filed on 25th Dec

Posted 01/01/2013

While millions of people were exchanging presents, feasting on turkey, and nodding off in front of the television, 1,548 people decided to take time out from the yuletide festivities and do their tax return online – a 40 per cent increase on Christmas Day 2011, when 1,100 people filed online.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Posted 21/12/2012

All staff here at Solar would like to wish all our customers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

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VAT & TAX advice lines Xmas availability

Posted 19/12/2012

Our VAT & TAX Advice lines will close at 3pm on Monday 24th January 2012

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Find, inner peace, do your tax return now

Posted 17/12/2012

A new HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) advertising campaign is urging anyone who hasn’t sent in their 2011-12 tax return to do it now – and find “inner peace”.

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Gold smuggler behind bars

Posted 14/12/2012

A jeweller who evaded more than £7million VAT by smuggling gold into the UK has been jailed for nine years today following an international investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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Fags in furniture - last man sentenced

Posted 13/12/2012

The last member of a gang that attempted to steal £1.5 million in duty and VAT by smuggling millions of cigarettes into the UK hidden in furniture was jailed last week.

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TAXWISE Questions Answered - December

Posted 12/12/2012

Do I have to register for VAT if my turnover has reached the level where a business is required to register, but I expect that the value of my taxable supplies will reduce? I am a consultant; my customers are based in the UK and I have just won a contract to provide consultancy services to an Australian company, this income will definitely push my turnover over the registration threshold; but it is a one-off?

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Garlic smuggler sentenced to six years

Posted 10/12/2012

A garlic smuggler has been jailed for six years after evading around £2 million in customs duty while importing Chinese garlic.

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Child Benefit change: one month to go

Posted 07/12/2012

High-earning child benefit recipients have a month to decide whether to stop receiving the benefit or to pay a charge on it through Self Assessment.

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Business Records Checks, Four questions you should be asking your Fee Protection Insurance provider

Posted 05/12/2012

It no doubt won’t have escaped your attention that HMRC’s Business Record Check programme made a recent comeback, with HMRC officially re-launching the pilot in early November (2012).

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HMRC launches pre-emptive strike

Posted 03/12/2012

HMRC sent letters directly to 1,500 people who have signed up to one particular avoidance scheme, urging them to pull out and contact the authorities about their tax affairs.

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RTI penalties approach published

Posted 30/11/2012

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published guidance on penalties for late and inaccurate returns submitted in real time (RTI).

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TAXWISE Questions Answered - XMAS Parties - November 12/1

Posted 28/11/2012

As Christmas is just around the corner I would like to reward my employees for their hard work this year by some means. I do not want my employees to have to pay any extra tax due to this and wondered what the tax position of a party, bonus or gift would be for my staff?

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Rental property to feel the force

Posted 19/11/2012

A taskforce to tackle tax cheats in the rental property sector in the South East was launched today by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

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TAXWISE Questions Answered - November 12

Posted 14/11/2012

My clients own 90% of their own trading company. The remaining 10% of the shares are owned by their three adult children (split 4%, 4% and 2%). They are looking at the possibility of selling the business in the next 18-24 months and want to minimize the children’s exposure to any potential capital gains tax charge. What are the potential options?

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HMRC closes in on tax cheats

Posted 12/11/2012

An advertising campaign warning tax cheats to declare all their income before it is too late was launched today by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

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Co Tyrone fuel laundering plant dismantled: Man arrested

Posted 09/11/2012

A man has been arrested following the discovery of a huckster site and fuel laundering plant, capable of producing 14,000 litres of illicit fuel a week evading £10,000 in duty, by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in Co Tyrone yesterday (Wednesday).

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RTI pilot hits the next level

Posted 06/11/2012

Up to 250,000 employers are set to join the Real Time Information in PAYE (RTI) pilot between now and 31 March 2013.

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HMRC bags fruit and veg cigarette smugglers

Posted 05/11/2012

A freight distribution manager who hid over 14 million cigarettes in refrigerated lorries carrying fruit and vegetables, to evade an estimated £2.5 million in duty and VAT, has been jailed.

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HMRC bags fruit and veg cigarette smugglers

Posted 05/11/2012

A freight distribution manager who hid over 14 million cigarettes in refrigerated lorries carrying fruit and vegetables, to evade an estimated £2.5 million in duty and VAT, has been jailed.

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Business Records Checks re-launched

Posted 01/11/2012

Business Records Checks are being re-launched by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) today, following a review and extensive stakeholder consultation.

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TAXWISE Questions Answered

Posted 31/10/2012

Question: My wife and I own our own properties where we lived before our marriage. We have bought a third property which we are going to live in together and we plan to rent out the other two properties. We have been advised that to simplify our tax affairs, should we transfer the original properties into joint names allowing us to benefit from two annual exemptions on any future property sales?

High Income Child Benefit Charge letters set to be delivered

Posted 29/10/2012

Around one million letters will be issued during November to families affected by next year’s changes to Child Benefit.

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Second singing accountant convicted of 70m GBP charity tax rip off

Posted 24/10/2012

A second professional tax adviser working for the Vantis Tax Ltd group was today jailed for four years for his part in a £70 million tax fraud.

Roy Faichney, Managing Director of Vantis Tax Ltd, had a “gentleman’s agreement” with his deputy, David Perrin – who was found guilty for his part in the fraud in January – to share the £4.5 million profit from a fraudulent tax avoidance scheme sold to wealthy customers, which left charities and Exchequer out of pocket.

HMRC opens door-to-door sales amnesty

Posted 23/10/2012

Door-to-door salespeople have until the end of February to come clean about any tax they owe in return for a reduced penalty.

The direct selling disclosure campaign is HMRC's latest effort to target a specific sector suspected of evading tax.

Game over for tax fraud gambler

Posted 22/10/2012

A financial adviser who assisted a client in reclaiming nearly £900,000 in VAT and then gambled some of the proceeds away in a London casino has been jailed for five years and banned from going into casinos and gaming online for three years after his release.

TAXWISE Questions Answered

Posted 17/10/2012

I keep reading in the press that HMRC are under pressure to increase tax yields, what tactics have HMRC employed in recent years when enquiring into SMEs?

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One of HMRC's most wanted found in Cyprus

Posted 16/10/2012

A fraudster on HMRC's UK top 20 tax fugitive list has been found in Cyprus and is trying to negotiate a return to the UK.

Timur Mehmet is wanted for his role in a VAT fraud scheme worth £25m to resell goods several times and claim VAT via setting up fake companies issuing sham invoices. The VAT he claimed was never passed onto HMRC.

Tax evaders and fraudsters gallery is published by HMRC

Posted 15/10/2012

Tax officials have published a gallery of photographs of the people they consider to be the most wanted UK tax fugitives.

The gallery, published for the first time online, details 20 people who HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) believe are responsible for £765m of tax evasion and fraud.

MPs slam public sector IR35 arrangements

Posted 08/10/2012

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has published a report on off-payroll payments criticising workers in the public sector for making their own arrangements to pay tax.

The committee said it was “shocked” to find the BBC had 25,000 off-payroll contracts including 13,000 for people who were on air.

Charity fraudster jailed for five years

Posted 05/10/2012

The treasurer of a Christian charity, who stole over £500,000 from two charities through claiming false Gift Aid contributions and transferring cash to his personal bank account, has been jailed for five years.

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HMRC victory in SDLT avoidance case

Posted 03/10/2012

HMRC has won a key court case defeating a widely-marketed scheme to avoid stamp duty land tax (SDLT). Nick Huber reports.

The decision in Vardy Proprties & Anor v HMRC[2012] UKFTT 564 (TC), subject to any appeal, could save more than £170m for the UK Exchequer.

Fraudsters jailed for £3.8m tax credits and benefits scam bid

Posted 28/09/2012

A Hackney resident who attempted to claim 3.8 million GBP in a tax credits and benefits scam using stolen identities has been jailed, following an HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) criminal investigation.

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HMRC invites small firms to sign up for email help

Posted 27/09/2012

Small and medium-sized firms are being invited by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to sign up to receive regular emails giving help and support.

The new service, aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs), is chiefly for people who are new to business, either setting up or expanding.

Are Accountants next in line for HMRC crackdown

Posted 24/09/2012

In what appears to be a firmer and more Draconian approach to targeting the professions, the threat to accountants could be just around the corner.

Last October TAXtv presenter Giles Mooney predicted this possible outcome. He said he'd heard “rumours” that lawyers and accountants could be next in line: “HMRC already knows how many clients an accountant has and has an idea on fee structures, the Revenue's computer could easily check to see if an accountant's declared revenue was lower than expected.”

The effect of Taskforces on TAXWISE Claims

Posted 20/09/2012

TaxWise are seeing the effect of these task forces in the increasing levels of claims. The number of claims made during the 2011-12 year was 46% higher than the previous year

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Legal profession targeted in tax cheat crackdown

Posted 18/09/2012

New taskforces to tackle tax dodgers – including one targeting the legal profession – were launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) today.

Expected to recover more than £19.5 million from tax dodgers, the taskforces will target those who do not pay the right amount of tax in

HMRC admits mistakes in more than half of complaints

Posted 15/09/2012

NEARLY THREE OUT OF FIVE complaints made to the taxman in resulted in the taxman admitting fault, according to research conducted by law firm Pinsent Masons. More than 58,000 complaints were received by HM Revenue & Customs in 2010/11, with the department itself upholding the grievances at least partially in over 33,000 cases, equating to 57% of total objections.

Four arrested in 3 million GBP VAT fraud

Posted 14/09/2012

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) criminal investigators arrested three men and a woman at four separate addresses in North and West London on Wednesday (12 September 2012).

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Tax targets deliver extra 500GBP million

Posted 12/09/2012

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has brought in £500 million in extra tax, since a special unit was set up to deal with the tax affairs of the country’s wealthiest people.

The High Net Worth Unit (HNWU), designed to deal with 5,000 of the UK’s wealthiest taxpayers, has exceeded its collection targets since its launch three years ago.

Audit exemptions to be extended from 1 October

Posted 11/09/2012

The government will press ahead with its plan to align mandatory audit thresholds with accounting thresholds for small companies from 1 October.

Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 15 September 2012

Posted 06/09/2012

Question. I have received a notice from H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) informing me of their intention to carry out a cross tax review of my business records. What can I expect and what rights do I and HMRC have?

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HMRC controller sacked over credit card theft

Posted 29/08/2012

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has told a unit at HMRC to improve its financial management after a controller was sacked for stealing thousands of pounds.

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Wiltshire men jailed for calculated tax fraud

Posted 16/08/2012

A former Swindon tax office worker who was paid by a childhood friend to carry out tax fraud was jailed today at Bristol Crown Court.

Pervaze Masih (46) was paid by childhood friend, Paul Cole, to carry out Income Tax fraud totalling £43,327. Masih also committed £11,607 of fraud on behalf of other acquaintances.

Top tax cheats put in the frame

Posted 16/08/2012

Photographs of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Most Wanted tax fugitives are today being published for the first time online.

To help in the effort to hunt down the United Kingdom’s biggest tax fraudsters, HMRC will place photographs of its Most Wanted on its flickr channel and ask members of the public to assist in finding them.

New tax return penalties being sent to 0.5 million non-filers

Posted 14/08/2012

Around half a million people who still haven’t sent their 2010/11 tax returns to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will start to receive additional penalty letters from this week.

The number of outstanding returns has almost halved in 2012, down to 5.9 per cent, compared to 10.7 per cent in 2011. This means 518,000 fewer penalties are being issued. HMRC has also taken 273,000 people out of Self Assessment this year.

Blackburn men jailed for pocketing the VAT

Posted 09/08/2012

Three men from Blackburn have been jailed today for evading over £4.5 million in VAT due on platinum trading.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 14 August 2012

Posted 08/08/2012

Question. We own a number of properties and will potentially need to dispose of one or more in the next couple of years. We want to legitimately minimise our tax liability on the sale and wondered what tax planning we should be considering. What advice can you offer?

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Electricians have one week left to pay tax

Posted 06/08/2012

Electricians have just one week to pay any undisclosed tax that they owe under an HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) campaign.

Under the Electricians Tax Safe Plan, electricians can pay any tax and interest they owe, and receive penalties of only 10 per cent. Normally, penalties of up to 100 per cent of the tax owed can be charged, with criminal investigation possible in the worst cases.

Payback time for Midlands ‘casino’ money launderer

Posted 06/08/2012

A professional gambler, who staked substantial sums of ‘dirty’ cash at casinos in Birmingham and London and at top horse racing meetings, has been ordered to repay criminal profits of nearly £2 million within six months or return to jail for ten years.

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HMRC tells school children: Tell your teacher if a neighbour is evading tax

Posted 31/07/2012

School children are being encouraged by HM Revenue and Customs to tell their teachers if they know of anyone "in their local area" who is not paying their fair share of tax.

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HMRC consult TaxWise on the Single Compliance Process

Posted 21/05/2012

The pressure on HMRC to increase tax yields has been well publicised in recent times. This pressure has been accompanied by a less prominent but equally important need for HMRC to operate more efficiently.

Driven by the Spending Review, HMRC has a desire to improve the efficiency of their activities by taking a more targeted approach to enquiries. Essentially, in a nut shell, HMRC need to spend less money generating more tax.

More specifically between now and 2014/15 HMRC are targeted to deliver an extra £7billion in compliance yield, whilst reducing costs by 25%.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 11 May 2012

Posted 15/05/2012

Question. Some of my colleagues have recently received 2012 tax returns or a notice to complete a self-assessment return from H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

In recent years I have not received a tax return for completion and I wondered whether or not I should have done so and how I go about requesting one if I need to. Can you help please?

Tax refunds come early this year

Posted 11/05/2012

Around three million taxpayers will start to receive tax refunds from next week, two months earlier than last year, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) confirmed today. This is because the annual reconciliation of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) for the tax year 2011/12 is starting earlier than ever before.

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RTI pilot forges on

Posted 10/05/2012

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that a further 310 employer schemes will join the Real Time Information (RTI) pilot following its launch last month.

Over 100,000 employee records have been successfully received by HMRC since 10 volunteer employers joined the RTI pilot on 11 April. The additional employers will join the pilot between 8 May and the end of June.

Gang members jailed for £1.7m tax credit and benefit fraud

Posted 08/05/2012

Eight members of a criminal gang have been jailed for fraudulently claiming over £1.7 million in tax credits, benefits and Sure Start Maternity Grants, following a joint investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

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Taxman's big payday from new fines

Posted 04/05/2012

The sting in the tail of the taxman's new fines has kicked in this week, and the results are an astonishing £6.5 million-a-day payday for George Osborne and his friends.

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Fergie and Sven hit by HMRC victory in tax case

Posted 30/04/2012

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson have been hit by a HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) tribunal victory that will deny wealthy investors £117 million in tax relief.

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Tax credit claimants need to renew - or payments may stop

Posted 26/04/2012

Tax credit customers are being reminded by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that they must renew claims by the 31 July deadline - or their payments may stop.

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New mobile apps to help with record-keeping

Posted 20/04/2012

The software industry, after consultation with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), is producing simple record keeping mobile apps for small businesses.

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Return reminder for employers

Posted 16/04/2012

With the 2011/12 tax year now ended, employers across the country are being reminded to send in their annual returns on time, or face a penalty.

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The tax revolution starts – PAYE Real Time Information (RTI) pilot begins

Posted 11/04/2012

Real Time Information (RTI) moved a step closer today when the pilot was launched, with the first of 10 volunteer employers submitting their RTI return.

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Millionaire tax avoiders 'shock' chancellor

Posted 10/04/2012

The chancellor has said he is "shocked" that some of the UK's richest people have organised their finances so that they pay virtually no income tax.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 10 April 2012

Posted 04/04/2012

Question. I own a number of residential properties which I let fully furnished to a variety of tenants. I have heard that it has been announced recently that H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are changing the rules with regards the renewal of furniture and equipment within my properties. Have changes been announced and if so what are they, when do they come into force and how will they affect me?

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HMRC launches Tax Academy

Posted 02/04/2012

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched its new Tax Academy offering its trainee tax experts two professional degrees accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Plumber jailed for tax fraud

Posted 28/03/2012

West Midlands plumber David Williams, 53, was yesterday jailed for 12 months for evading £91,000 of income tax and national insurance during 10 years of trading as a self-employed plumber.

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Supply and Consideration - Or not?

Posted 26/03/2012

A taxable supply is defined in law as a consideration received for a supply of goods and services in the United Kingdom. Although the majority of items will be treated as supplies there are a number of payments which may not be consideration because there is no direct link between the payment and the supply, or there is no supply of goods or services in return for the payment.

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Recent Tribunal Cases

Posted 22/03/2012

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) has lost its latest appeal to claim capital allowances for pub refurbishments in an unusual tax tribunal which included detailed discussions about toilet cubicle partitions!

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Self Assessment Penalties to raise £90m!

Posted 19/03/2012

A record 9.45 million Self Assessment tax returns were submitted on time this year, with a record 7.65 million (80.9 per cent) of them filed online. This means that for the first time in seven years 90.4 per cent of taxpayers met the deadline - an increase of 4 per cent (800,000 returns) on last year.

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HMRC Align Mobile PhoneTax Treatment

Posted 15/03/2012

HMRC recently announced that it had changed its interpretation of the legal definition of “telephone apparatus” to include mobile phones and smartphones. The announcement was made in a HMRC brief 'Employment income - definition of mobile phone (treatment of smartphones)' and means that BlackBerrys, iPhones and other smartphones will no longer be viewed as benefits in kind,

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Cars and Input Tax Recovery

Posted 13/03/2012

If you buy a car, and it is “available” for private use, the VAT on the purchase is blocked from recovery as input tax. A car is available for private use when there is nothing to stop an owner or employee from using the car for a private purpose.

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Tutors and coaches have less than a month to pay the tax they owe

Posted 08/03/2012

Tutors and coaches have nearly a month left to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about tax that they owe and arrange to pay the tax, interest and any penalties due.

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Boosting Transparency around Tax Disputes

Posted 05/03/2012

HMRC has just announced new governance arrangements for significant tax disputes, to provide greater transparency, scrutiny and accountability. Effective and efficient tax collection is critical to maintaining tax receipts to fund public services.

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Thirty new taskforces to crack down on tax dodgers will be launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in 2012/13.

Posted 01/03/2012

The taskforces will target specific business sectors in specific locations where there is evidence of tax evasion. The likely targets include:

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Tax authority pulls plug on electricians who don’t pay up

Posted 27/02/2012

Electricians around the country will start receiving letters this month from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) warning them to pay any undisclosed taxes.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 9 Feb 2012

Posted 23/02/2012

Question: My business has been asked by our landlord to pay a security deposit against the safe return of the commercial property we have rented. We have been charged VAT is this correct?

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Penalties for late tax returns and payments

Posted 20/02/2012

If you sent your tax return back late, or paid your tax late, you'll have to pay a penalty. If you think you had a reasonable excuse for being late, you should contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). If you thought you didn't need to send a Self Assessment return this year, you should get in touch too.

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New powers to tackle PAYE dodgers

Posted 10/02/2012

A new campaign will be launched by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during the next year aimed at people who fail to make tax returns and who are liable to pay tax at the highest tax rates.

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HMRC extends its tax cheats campaigns

Posted 10/02/2012

A new campaign will be launched by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during the next year aimed at people who fail to make tax returns and who are liable to pay tax at the highest tax rates.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 8 Feb 2012

Posted 08/02/2012

Question. I’m currently in dispute with H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and my accountant is having problems in getting the Inspector dealing with the enquiry to understand my specific business and how it operates.

I believe HMRC have recently launched a pilot scheme which allows a review of the case with a different officer and my accountant. Is this true and if so how does the review work and would I be bound by any outcome?

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Record number of returns filed on time

Posted 06/02/2012

A record 9.45 million Self Assessment tax returns were filed on time this year, and a record 7.65 million (80.9 per cent of them were filed online, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) revealed today.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 7 Feb 2012

Posted 02/02/2012

Question. I currently own a property in Cornwall which I let out fully furnished to tourists throughout the year. A friend of mine, who also lets property not only in the UK but in France, has told me that changes to the way in which income from Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) are taxed is being introduced. Is this correct and, if so, what changes are being made and when do they come into force?

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 6 Jan 2012

Posted 26/01/2012

Question. Traditionally in previous years I have submitted my self assessment return to H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) after the 31 January filing deadline making it a late return. The penalty of £100 in force wasn’t sufficient reason for me to ensure I met the deadline.

I have been told that for the 2011 self-assessment return due to be filed with HMRC on or before 31 January I could face much higher penalties if I fail to submit it on time. Is this correct and what are the maximum penalties I could now face?

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April VAT alert for businesses

Posted 23/01/2012

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued an alert to VAT-registered businesses across the UK about Important changes that come into effect this spring. From 1 April 2012, all VAT-registered businesses must send their VAT returns online and pay their VAT electronically. Currently, only newly-registered

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HMRC Extend Self - Assessment Deadline to the 2nd February 2012

Posted 20/01/2012

To make sure taxpayers are not disadvantaged if they cannot get through to HMRC's call centres on the 31st January, due to threatened industrial action by its staff, HMRC have announced that they will not impose any late filing penalties for taxpayers who file their self-assessment returns on the 1st or 2nd February.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No 5 Jan 2012

Posted 18/01/2012

Question – We have just bought a twin cab pick-up for the business. Will the VAT man allow the VAT incurred on the purchase to be reclaimed on the VAT return?

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Tax officers to hold lightning strike on Monday 16th January

Posted 16/01/2012

Some 20,000 staff providing advice on tax returns will hold half-hour walkouts on Monday over alleged moves towards privatisation.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No4 Jan 2012

Posted 12/01/2012

Question: Our business provided a Christmas party for staff and their guests, some ex-staff were also invited to attend. We also provided some of our loyal trading client’s with a small thank you gift for their continued allegiance. What are the tax and VAT implications of these two gestures?

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Medics and Dentists may be about to receive a painful prescription from HMRC

Posted 09/01/2012

HMRC have now moved to the next stage of its activity under the Tax Health Plan (THP) which was originally launched in May 2008. The THP, which gave doctors and dentists and opportunity to disclose any irregular tax affairs, ended in March 2010 and HMRC claim it resulted in an additional tax yield in excess of £10m.

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David Cameron pledges action on tax avoidance

Posted 05/01/2012

Nick Clegg and David Cameron have said they want to do more to stop tax avoidance by big companies.

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Welcome Back

Posted 03/01/2012

We hope you have all had a restful and pleasant Christmas and New Year and that you are looking forward to the challenges that the New Year brings us all. We will be adding our News articles and Topical Questions and Answers weekly from now. So do look back regularly to check what's new in the world of HMRC. Everything we post is another reason why TAXWISE Tax Investigation Insurance is as popular as it is.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No3 Dec 2011

Posted 07/12/2011

Question:

Mrs Jones is director and shareholder of Jones Ltd. In recent years the company has struggled to trade profitably. As a consequence the balance sheet at 31 August 2010 shows a deficit of £50,000 after taking into account a loan made to the company by Mrs Jones of £25,000. It has been suggested that Mrs Jones converts her loan capital into shares so that the net deficit of the company is reduced to £25,000. What are the consequences of the suggested transaction on any later loss claims that could be made?

Additional Audit Exemptions on the way?

Posted 05/12/2011

The Government has announced proposals to reduce the audit burden on SMEs. An estimated £612 million could be saved by companies if the UK is brought into line with the basic EU requirements.

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No2 Dec 2011

Posted 01/12/2011

Question:

My client is the sole director and shareholder of a small trading company. His sister is employed full-time in the business and has been advanced a loan during the year of £7,200. The loan is to be repaid in three years’ time and no interest has been charged. What are the tax consequences for his sister?

CIS – New Penalty Regime

Posted 28/11/2011

Most accountants will be aware that from October 2011, the penalties for late or non-filing of a contractor's monthly return within the Construction Industry Scheme are changing. This is just a reminder of the changes and of the details your clients should be aware of if they are not already!

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Tax Advice - Questions and Answers No1 Nov 2011

Posted 24/11/2011

Our Tax Telephone Advice consultants will deal with over 35,000 calls from clients this year. This puts them in a unique position, from which they gain a revealing insight into all aspects of the UK tax regime.

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HMRC scam 'phishing' emails

Posted 23/11/2011

HM Revenue and Customs have announced that scam ‘phishing’ emails – claiming to be from HMRC – have risen by 300% in the last year...

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Regional Employer NIC Holiday

Posted 22/11/2011

Cash flow is all important to businesses, especially in the current climate and never more so if you are in the first year of a new business.

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HMRC's "Taxforces" Hit The Road

Posted 15/11/2011

On 7th November HMRC released 5 separate press releases announcing the launch of 5 taskforces aimed at various parts of the UK focusing on varying potential areas of evasion.

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BUSINESS RECORD CHECKS - HMRC say that 1 in 8 of those visited to date had seriously inadequate records

Posted 05/11/2011

All Business' large or small are required to keep records of all documents used to help complete a return to HMRC, HMRC state on their website that "keeping some records is almost as bad as keeping none at all". follow this link to see a quick guide to keeping records.

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HMRC: Tax dodgers face fresh crackdown

Posted 01/11/2011

Rich tax-dodgers who own foreign properties will face extra scrutiny from the UK's tax authorities.

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Six million to get a £400 tax refund, but 1.2 million face a £600 bill

Posted 19/10/2011

Six million people will begin to receive tax repayments of an average of £400 this weekend because HM Revenue and Customs overcharged them.

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Top causes of absence from work

Posted 12/10/2011

Top five causes of long-term absence

1. Stress

2. Acute medical conditions such as heart attack and stroke

3. Musculoskeletal injuries such as neck strains

4. Mental ill health

5. Back pain

6. Recurring medical conditions such as asthma

7. Minor illness such as colds and headaches

8. Pregnancy-related absence (not maternity leave)

9. Work-related injuries and accidents

10. Home/family responsibilities

Feeling Stressed, under pressure?

Posted 04/10/2011

An Affordable EAP can help, Here at Solar we can now arrange an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) for your Business. Whether you employee 100's of staff or just one or two an EAP can be implemented at very competitive rates (Starting at just £25 per employee per annum)Their are many reasons why an EAP in your business makes sense, here's just ten

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Late Filing Penalties For Self-Assessment Tax Returns

Posted 04/10/2011

HM Revenue & Customs recently issued the following as a reminder of the late filing penalties for Self-Assessment Tax Returns for the 2010/11 years and onwards. Accountants and Tax Advisors should take note of the initial £100 penalty applying regardless of whether the taxpayer has paid their tax on time or not!

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New E.A.P (Employee Assistance Programme) from Solar

Posted 14/09/2011

BEING AT THE HELM OF A SMALL BUSINESS THROWS UP ALL SORTS OF CHALLENGES, FROM STAFF TO CUSTOMERS TO SUPPLIERS, YOU HAVE MANY PLATES TO KEEP SPINNING. SOMETIMES THE LAST PERSON ON YOUR MIND IS YOU. AN EAP FROM SOLAR CAN GIVE YOU AND YOUR STAFF SUPPORT AND HELP YOU RECOGNISE AND COPE WITH THE STRESSES OF YOUR WORKING LIFE FROM SUPPORTIVE HELP LINES TO USEFUL MANAGEMENT TOOLS EAP IS A HIGHLY COST EFFECTIVE ADDITIONAL TOOL FOR YOUR BUSINESS

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Amnesties set to continue

Posted 13/09/2011

Whilst the VAT Amnesty takes place be wary of initiatives to start later in the year HMRC announced in a recent press release that other campaigns to be launched in 2011/12 will focus on: the following sectors;

Trades. This will build on HMRC’s plumbers’ campaign and give an opportunity to another group of tradespeople to come forward and declare unpaid tax.

HMRC To check mortgage applications

Posted 07/09/2011

The Mortgage Verification Scheme (MVS) has been launched in an effort to combat mortgage fraud.

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The Single Compliance Process, what is it and how will it impact?

Posted 30/08/2011

One of HMRC’s top priorities as part of the Spending Review is to relieve the compliance burden on businesses and their agents and increase the efficiency of their activities. HMRC say they want to bring together what they know and believe works well from SA Enquiries (‘Full’ and ‘Aspect’), Employer Compliance and Assurance work.

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VAT Amnesty .... The latest incentive to become compliant by HMRC

Posted 24/08/2011

HMRC have now officially launched its campaign to target the 40,000 businesses it believes are earning above the £73,000 threshold, but are not registered for VAT.

The campaign is expected to run along the same lines as previous initiatives where HMRC encouraged non-payers to disclose what they owe before taking action against those who failed to come forward. No confirmation of this has yet been forthcoming from HMRC

Increase in Fee Protection Insurance claims continues

Posted 19/08/2011

It is now becoming an all too familiar beat, but we intend to keep banging the drum - claims levels continue to increase and it is therefore as important as ever that you take advantage of the protection afforded by our Fee Protection Insurance.

Throughout most of 2009 (which seems a long time ago now) we saw a lull in HMRC activity, perhaps as they got to grips with the new powers granted by Sch36. However for the latter part of 2009 and throughout 2010 there was a steady increase in claims levels. This has continued into 2011, with claim notifications in the first 6 months of 2011, 52% higher than the first 6 months of 2010.

(HMRC) today announces a helpline – 0845 366 1207 – to help anyone adversely affected by the recent civil disorder.

Posted 11/08/2011

HMRC is determined to do all it can to help, and may be able to do this in a variety of ways.

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HMRC to target tutors, tradesmen and e-traders

Posted 05/08/2011

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced three new disclosure campaigns targeting private tutors, tradesmen and people who use e-marketplaces as a business.

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HMRC ASSAULT ON SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSESS:

Posted 01/08/2011

THE TAXMAN has announced that in a campaign commencing in September 2011 200,000 small businesses will be selected for one of HMRC’s new ‘Business Records Checks’ aimed at raising an extra £600 Million over four years.

SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?

HMRC launches VAT Registration amnesty for £73k+ earners

Posted 14/07/2011

Following HMRC’s recent tax amnesty targeting plumbers, those strike-happy tax collectors have launched another campaign encouraging businesses with revenues above the VAT threshold (currently £73,000) who are not currently VAT Registered to come forward to admit their unpaid taxes – and incur a reduced penalty of only 10% of the the VAT owed.

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The Latest On Business Review Checks

Posted 21/06/2011

HMRC have already started to operate a “test and learn” pilot scheme on Business Review Checks ahead of its official launch in July this year.

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Restaurant Taskforce Established

Posted 21/06/2011

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has clawed back more money than ever before as a result of targeted tax crackdowns, according to David Hartnett.

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HMRC Plumbers Tax Safe Plan

Posted 11/05/2011

Are you aware of the ‘Plumbers Tax Safe Plan’ and the possible implications to you and your business?

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TAX Evasion

Posted 10/05/2011

HMRC recovers £8.5bn from tax evasion investigations

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Four arrested for suspected 3m cigarette smuggling fraud

Posted 00/00/0000

Four men have been arrested in West Suffolk by officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigating a suspected three million cigarette smuggling fraud.

PAYE attention RTI is coming

Posted 00/00/0000

Employers are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs to get ready for major PAYE changes that come into effect in three months’ time.

Conspirators jailed after six million cigarettes seized

Posted 00/00/0000

Four men, who tried to evade over £1.3 million in duty and taxes due on sales of almost six million illegal cigarettes, have been sentenced today after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

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Posted 00/00/0000

An accountant from Maghull, who was found guilty of tax fraud totalling over £64,000, has been sentenced after he was investigated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Wealthy bankers’ bonuses speculative scheme denied in court HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 09, 2016 12:24 GMT

Posted 00/00/0000

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has shut down a major tax avoidance scheme used by banking giants UBS and Deutsche Bank (DB), designed to avoid around £135 million in tax.

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Barking VAT fraudster to repay stolen tax HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 15, 2017 16:37 BST

Other News

Former escort agency owner jailed for tax and benefit fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 17, 2017 11:47 BST

Getting to the root of tax avoidance HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 14, 2017 00:01 BST

HMRC prevents one million visits to scam websites HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 07, 2017 00:01 BST

10 arrested in suspected £35m money laundering and tax fraud raids HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 06, 2017 15:41 BST

Catering business gang served up a £240k fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 05, 2017 13:17 BST

Gang member jailed after tobacco fraud smashed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Oct 03, 2017 14:34 BST

Stop facilitating tax evasion or face criminal prosecution, HMRC tells corporations HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 30, 2017 09:00 BST

Money launderer stripped of ?1.3m worldwide property portfolio HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 29, 2017 11:30 BST

South Yorkshire booze smugglers jailed for ?3.8m tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 22, 2017 17:23 BST

Warrington kebab man takes away jail term HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 21, 2017 17:01 BST

Growing businesses to benefit from expert tax support HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 20, 2017 00:15 BST

HMRC?s Executive Chair to step down HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 15, 2017 10:34 BST

HMRC wins ?35 million tax avoidance case against global bank

The ?Shisha Man? fraudster jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 05, 2017 15:38 BST

From peanuts to prison for tobacco smuggler HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Sep 04, 2017 12:52 BST

Have you been taxed for your summer job? HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 31, 2017 13:01 BST

HMRC reminds parents to update their children?s details as exam results revealed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 24, 2017 00:01 BST

Brief scam revealed as tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 18, 2017 14:33 BST

Rochdale tax fraudster to repay ?400k HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 03, 2017 15:04 BST

New help for small businesses launched HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Aug 01, 2017 10:00 BST

Cigarette smuggling leaders jailed for nine years HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 28, 2017 10:05 BST

Tax credit renewal ? one week to go HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 24, 2017 00:01 BST

Fake vodka factory found in Liverpool HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 20, 2017 18:11 BST

Air filter cigarette smuggler jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 17, 2017 12:22 BST

Tax fraudsters sentenced for ?46m wine scam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 14, 2017 16:43 BST

Improved customer service and record-breaking crack-down on avoidance, evasion and non-compliance HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 13, 2017 16:47 BST

Tax fugitive Geoffrey Johnson caught and jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 13, 2017 17:42 BST

Online auction seller sentenced for ?320k VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 10, 2017 13:51 BST

Gambling accountant jailed for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jul 07, 2017 11:28 BST

Data theft fraudsters jailed for attempted ?10.2m tax credits scam

It?s a wrap for film tax fraudsters ordered to pay back ?2m HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 30, 2017 18:17 BST

Tax credits advisor sentenced for fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 30, 2017 13:42 BST

Dover cigarettes and tobacco smugglers jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 29, 2017 18:37 BST

Perthshire train boss’s fraud goes off the rails HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 22, 2017 17:10 BST

Northumberland company boss sentenced for VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 16, 2017 09:42 BST

Smuggled cigarette suppliers sentenced HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jun 13, 2017 16:22 BST

Three men jailed in £17m tobacco fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 31, 2017 17:32 BST

Essex fraudster ordered to repay £3.3m HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 19, 2017 14:05 BST

Fermanagh VAT fraudster ordered to repay crime cash HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - May 05, 2017 17:37 BST

Former Ascot property developer jailed for £640k fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 21, 2017 15:54 BST

VAT fraudster ordered to repay £2.2m HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 20, 2017 16:51 BST

Cancer lie tax cheat jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 12, 2017 15:51 BST

Dover cigarette smuggler floored by jail term HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 10, 2017 15:52 BST

Paper trail leads bluffing businessman to jail HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 06, 2017 12:29 BST

Seasoned tobacco smuggler returns to prison HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Apr 04, 2017 12:11 BST

HMRC calls ‘cut!’ on filmmaker’s VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 31, 2017 14:57 BST

Restaurateur sentenced for cooking the books in 87,000 pound VAT fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 17, 2017 13:52 GMT

Solicitor jailed for £60k tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Mar 01, 2017 12:15 GMT

Ladbrokes luck runs out in £71 million tax avoidance case HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 25, 2017 12:11 GMT

Straight to jail for fugitive tax fraudster HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 21, 2017 17:31 GMT

Fantasist furniture fixers fabric-ated fraud fails HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 17, 2017 16:48 GMT

Not so sweet potato deal lands wholesaler in jail HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 09, 2017 11:42 GMT

HMRC wins ‘alternative money’ lap dance case HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Feb 04, 2017 12:11 GMT

Digital tax revolution moves a step closer HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 31, 2017 12:30 GMT

Table top tobacco crime gang sentenced HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 30, 2017 09:03 GMT

Most Wanted tobacco fugitive brought back to face justice HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 26, 2017 12:21 GMT

HMRC releases most optimistic Self Assessment expense claims HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 24, 2017 09:35 GMT

Offshore cash seized from crime couple HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 20, 2017 11:59 GMT

Register for and file your Self Assessment tax return HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 11, 2017 10:33 GMT

Beating the tax cheats – HMRCs criminal case highlights of 2016 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 07, 2017 00:01 GMT

Need a New Year money makeover? HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Jan 06, 2017 10:18 GMT

“My tax return was on my yacht…which caught fire” HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 21, 2016 00:01 GMT

Two Northern Ireland men arrested in international tobacco raids HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 16, 2016 18:57 GMT

Personal Tax Account celebrates its first birthday with 7 million users HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 14, 2016 10:31 GMT

Payback time for jailed Luton bus operator HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 12, 2016 11:14 GMT

Half-baked plot sees extradited tobacco smuggler jailed HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 08, 2016 15:00 GMT

HMRC cuts scam emails by 300 million through new cyber security initiative HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Dec 05, 2016 12:00 GMT

Self Assessment is simple with a Personal Tax Account HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 30, 2016 11:05 GMT

Mechanic hid his business from taxman HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 28, 2016 10:41 GMT

Nightclub doorman sentenced for tax fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 17, 2016 17:01 GMT

Ex-council worker jailed for fraud HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 14, 2016 16:37 GMT

Money laundering pair snared by traffic jam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 11, 2016 09:58 GMT

HMRC and Concentrix end tax credits contract HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 11, 2016 17:25 GMT

Glazing salesman in double tax scam HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Nov 09, 2016 09:35 GMT