HMRC launches tax avoidance and evasion ad campaign

HM Revenue & Customs has launched a new advertising campaign reminding taxpayers and businesses of the importance of paying the right amount of tax.

The department has enlisted the help of Saatchi to come up with several billboard adverts designed to raise awareness of tax evasion and avoidance, the Guardian reports.

Around £917 million has been spent on a wider programme to remind people taking part in evasion or avoidance programmes that they will be caught.

HMRC's new head of enforcement, Jennie Granger, told the news provider that the majority will remain unaffected.

"Our message to the small percentage who don't [pay the right tax] is a simple one: the net is closing in," she said.

"We will detect you if you haven't put a job through the books, if you haven't declared investment income, if you've hidden assets offshore or if you haven't even registered for VAT."

Meanwhile, HMRC has extended its Real Time Information pilot programme ahead of its full launch next year.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher

Last updated: 12th November 2012