Tax inspectors will deploy sophisticated internet software to root-out e-marketplace dealers in the South West who have failed to pay the right tax.
This latest HMRC campaign is also targeting VAT defaulters and private tutors, warn Smith & Williamson (formerly Solomon Hare).
HMRC will use cutting-edge software, ‘web robot’, to search the internet and find targeted information about specified people and companies. The software will help HMRC pinpoint more accurately people who have failed to pay the right tax. The software used in conjunction with the department’s ‘Connect’ computer system, will also find people who are trading without notifying HMRC.
Sue Holmes, head of national tax investigations at Smith & Williamson, the accountancy and investment management group based in Bristol, said: She added: “HMRC has already raised over £10m through 1,500 hospital consultants who used the health professionals’ amnesty and launched 500 enquiries together with six criminal investigations into those professionals who did not come forward. These six criminal investigations may be added to the 10 criminal investigations already underway as a result of failures to come forward under the offshore amnesties making a total of 16 criminal investigations.”
Smith & Williamson anticipates a similar level of inquiries among those who have not disclosed under the Plumbers Tax Safe plan, a recently closed campaign.
“All in all, HMRC is showing its teeth. Its bite is likely to be particularly painful for those who try to hide,” concluded Sue.
