Targeted enforcement by HMRC has increased tax take
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has recovered more money than ever before as a result of its recent targeted tax crackdowns.
This is according to
David Hartnett, permanent secretary for tax at HMRC.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Finance Bill Select Commitment, Hartnett said that a new approach of targeting specific groups had helped the taxman recoup ‘huge amounts’ of unpaid tax.
Hartnett said: ‘We used to talk to people one-to-one, now it’s one-to-hundreds even one-to-thousands. But we have seen success dealing with offshore bank accounts and particular professions, such as the medical; profession has brought in huge amounts. I do not have figures but accounts will show that we have brought in bigger amounts that we have every achieved by some margin.’
HMRC initially targeted dentists, doctors and plumbers, and have recently formed a task force focusing on the restaurant trade. Nine further task forces will follow in 2011/2012, with more planned for 2012/2013.
The Government’s spending review set aside £900 million to tackle tax avoidance, fraud and evasion from 2011/2012. HMRC is aiming high, with hopes to recover £7 billion each year by 2014/15.