New HRMC Taskforce Targets Restaurant Trade in NI

02 July 2013

A new HMRC taskforce aims to recover £2.9 million by targeting the Northern Ireland restaurant
trade.

A taskforce tackling tax dodgers in the Northern Ireland restaurant trade was launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The taskforce is expected to recover £2.9 million.

David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:
"This taskforce is targeting people who are not playing by the rules. Most people pay what they should. The Government has made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and HMRC will crack down on those who seek to break the rules.

"HMRC has brought in more than £70 million since the initial taskforces were launched in 2011-12. They expect to bring in over £90 million from taskforces this year."

HMRC's Jennie Granger, Director General Enforcement and Compliance, said:
"Most people and businesses voluntarily comply, so it is important we deal firmly with those who don't.

"Using our award-winning tool, Connect, which brings together over 30 different sources of information, we are able to target specific industry sectors and geographical areas that present the highest risk of tax fraud.

"The message is clear - if you choose to defraud the tax system or seek to evade tax, we can and will track you down. You will face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well."

Taskforces are specialist teams that carry out intensive bursts of activity in specific high-risk trade sectors and locations in the UK. The teams may visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.

Taskforces are a result of the Government's £917 million spending review investment to tackle tax evasion, avoidance and fraud from 2011-12, which aims to raise an additional £7 billion each year by 2014-15.

If you know anyone who is evading their taxes, you can tell HMRC via the Tax Evasion Hotline by phone, on 0800 788 887, by email or by post.