Plumbers arrested after HMRC tax amnesty and more to follow, warns James Cowper
Plumbers arrested after HMRC tax amnesty and more to follow, says James Cowper
HMRC has announced today (16 August) that five UK plumbers have been arrested and a further 600 are under investigation for failing to pay the right amount of tax. The arrests follow a ‘tax amnesty’ launched by HMRC in March this year.
Mark Herson, Private Client Tax Director at James Cowper said: “This clampdown on plumbers is just one of many introduced this year targeting doctors and dentists, restaurateurs, eBay traders and private tutors. HMRC believe that some plumbers owe as much as £150,000 in unpaid tax.
“HMRC is taking an increasingly tough stance on those who deliberately avoid paying the correct amounts of tax. These arrests and investigations give a flavour of what other professions in HMRC’s spotlight can expect.”
Mark offers this advice to plumbers and other professionals under investigation by HMRC: “Do not ignore these clampdowns from HMRC; it is using pretty sophisticated methods to track down those it believes owe tax. Just because you have perhaps not heard from HMRC do not assume you will have escaped its attentions.
“HMRC is encouraging trades to come forward and voluntary declare unpaid tax. Use this opportunity to do so, as the fines levied on the tax payable will be considerably less than if ignored.
“Do seek advice from your accountant or a qualified tax adviser, particularly if you are under investigation. Tax is a complicated area and HMRC can be tough negotiators. Taking advice will not allow you to escape from paying tax due and any fines, but will ensure that you do not pay too much tax.”
Mark Herson, Private Client Tax Director, James Cowper LLP +44(0)1865 200500 or email mherson@jamescowper.co.uk
17.08.11