| New campaigns targeting
VAT defaulters, private tutors and
e-marketplaces will be launched by HM
Revenue & Customs (HMRC) over the next
year. HMRC said it would be using tools
such as web robot software to search the
internet and find targeted information
about people and companies.
Using the software, the department can
pinpoint more accurately people who have
failed to pay the right tax. The web
robot, used in conjunction with HMRC’s
Connect computer system, also helps find
people who are trading without telling
HMRC.
Connect alerts HMRC to previously
invisible tax evasion by matching HMRC and
third party data. It is able to highlight
previously hidden relationships,
uncovering anomalies between elements
including bank interest, property income
and lifestyle indicators before homing in
on unexplained inconsistencies.
HMRC announced last month that a
campaign targeting VAT rule-breakers
trading above the £73,000 registration
limit. Other campaigns that will be
launched in 2011/12 will focus on:
- those who provide private tuition
and coaching
- e-marketplaces, including people who
use e-marketplaces to buy and sell goods
as a trade or business and who fail to
pay the tax owed
- trades, which will build on HMRC’s
current plumbers’ campaign.
LINK:
Reporting tax evasion
|
