Legal News

HMRC has announced that it has collected than £2 billion in disputed tax from tax avoiders, under rules introduced by the government in 2014.

The new Accelerated Payments notices mean that users of tax avoidance schemes pay disputed tax upfront while their tax-affairs are investigated, instead of waiting until they are concluded.

HMRC wins 80% of cases that go to court, eliminating the financial advantage that tax avoiders previously enjoyed.

HMRC is issuing more than 3,000 Accelerated Payment Notices a month – and has issued over 41,000 notices since Accelerated Payments were introduced.

By the end of 2016, HMRC expects to have completed issuing notices, bringing forward more than £5bn in payments for the Exchequer by March 2020.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, said:

“We will not tolerate tax avoidance – and Accelerated Payments has been a real game changer.

“HMRC already wins the vast majority of cases that go to court – and now HMRC has taken more than £2 billion from tax avoiders who would have otherwise benefited from that cash while they were being investigated.

“It should be absolutely clear to anyone who is tempted by these schemes that tax-avoidance does not pay.”

Director General for Enforcement and Compliance, HMRC, Jennie Granger, added:

“Accelerated Payments continue to turn the tables on individuals looking to avoid paying their fair share of tax.

“Those who take part in tax avoidance now have to pay upfront and dispute later.

“It really is time to get out of avoidance – HMRC wins the vast majority of cases that people litigate, with many more settling before litigation.”

Duncan Lewis Business Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis business crime solicitors can advise companies and individuals facing investigations by HMRC at any stage of a charge for tax or VAT evasion or false accounting.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a Duncan Lewis business crime solicitor can negotiate with investigating authorities such as HMRC, Insolvency Services, SFO, FCA, BIS, Insolvency Service and City of London Police.

For expert legal advice on all business crimes and tax and VAT evasion, call Duncan Lewis on 0333 772 0409.