Average prison sentence for tax evasion jumps 10%

There was a 10% rise in the average prison sentence length for tax evasion last year jumping to two years seven months up from two years five months according to Pinsent Masons. 

The firm says HMRC has been pushing for longer custodial sentences in the hope that it will create a deterrent effect for people considering evasion. 

It is understood that HMRC and the Crown Prosecution Service have been pushing for instances of evasion to be considered in more serious categories of offence. The maximum penalty for income tax evasion in the UK is a seven-year prison sentence or an unlimited fine. Some 1 010 individuals were charged with offences relating to tax evasion in 2017-18.