Make sure HMRC’s search warrants are precise and intelligible
HMRC could miss prosections target for evasion, warns law firm
HMRC’s clampdown on tax dodging marked a new high during 2013/14, official statistics show.
An parallelled £23.9bn – raised in addition to revenue collected from compliant taxpayers – was £3.2bn more than in the previous 12 months, and almost £1bn above the target set at last year’s autumn statement.
RD Utilities Ltd (TC3440)
R (on the application of Derrin Brother Properties Ltd) v CRC, Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court
J R Swanston (TC3350)
R v Pershad, Court of Appeal
Dr K Long (TC3339)
HMRC are to have new powers that make it easier for the department to prosecute people who hide money offshore.
The introduction of the offence of failing to declare taxable offshore income will mean any person with undeclared foreign income can face criminal action, even if they did not intend to evade taxes.
The Revenue currently must demonstrate intent, but the change of law will require the department to show only that income was undeclared and taxable and undeclared.
HMRC’s has launched its latest anti-evasion campaign, targeting workers with second incomes.
The department is offering a disclosure opportunity to employees who are resident in the UK and have additional income from self-employment, which the tax authority suggests could include:
The chancellor’s claim to have axed the need for a pension annuity is unimpressive – and familiar
Informing on an ex-spouse is not a good idea