HMRC to Target Serial Tax Avoiders, Unpaid Tax

HMRC has published proposals aimed at identifying and tackling the users of multiple tax avoidance schemes.

The consultation paper ‘Strengthening Sanctions for Tax Avoidance’ sets out ways in which HMRC plan to tackle serial tax avoiders, including additional financial costs and reporting requirements for users of failed tax avoidance schemes, and the introduction of additional penalties for cases where the General Anti-Abuse Rule applies.

The paper also announced the introduction of the new Serial Avoiders Unit (SAU) which promises to identify and challenge users of multiple tax avoidance schemes. The specialist tax investigation unit will offer a hotline service to support people who have used multiple schemes but want to get their tax affairs in order.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke said: “Our message is clear: it is time to get out of avoidance and start paying your fair share”.

HMRC are closing in and increasing their focus on users of multiple tax avoidance schemes. Serial avoiders will be subject to a more co-ordinated approach to challenge their tax affairs and investigate suspected unpaid tax, and deliberately misleading or concealing information could lead to prosecution and criminal conviction.

If you have invested in a tax avoidance scheme and wish to discuss your position in confidence with a tax investigations professional, contact us on 0113 387 5670. Alternatively, fill out an Enquiry Form and we will get back to you.