Self assessment tax cheats targeted by HMRC

HM Revenue and Customs will be setting up a taskforce to target self assessment tax return cheats in London and the south-east who are abusing the system.

According to the department, a minority of taxpayers has been claiming back money they are not entitled to and could cost the public purse as much as £6 million.

A specialist taskforce will now look into the tax affairs of suspected parties to help prevent future fraudulent payments from being claimed and paid.

David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, reiterated that the vast majority submit their tax return with honesty and accuracy.

"This taskforce is targeting people who are not playing by the rules. Most of us pay what we should. We have made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and will crack down on those who break the rules," he explained.

"HMRC is on track to collect more than £50 million as a result of taskforces launched in 2011-12. We expect over £90 million from this year's taskforces."

Jennie Granger, the Director of General Enforcement and Compliance, added that up to 400 people will be targeted by the taskforce.

Posted by Emily Smith

Date published 12 Feb 2013 | Last updated 12 Feb 2013