HMRC Property Raids on the Rise

HMRC has confirmed that the number of raids on properties as a result of investigations into tax avoidance and tax evasion has risen.

Mirroring the increase in property raids, HMRC recently accounted that the number of jail sentences handed out as a result of criminal prosecutions following tax investigations had risen by 29%, from 171 to 220, between 2011 and 2014.

The announcement came as HMRC set a target to refer 1,165 cases of ‘non organised’ tax fraud to the CPS in 2014-15.

According to HMRC figures, the number of property raids following tax investigations has apparently increased threefold over the 2010 – 2014 period. There were almost 600 raids on properties by HMRC in 2014, when compared to 500 the previous year, and 196 in 2010-11.

HMRC continues to up the ante by taking a zero tolerance approach to tax avoidance and tax evasion in the UK. The increase in criminal prosecutions, jail terms and property raids proves that HMRC is keen to send stern messages to those who have unpaid tax.

For many, time is ticking away before they fall under investigation by HMRC. If HMRC opens a full tax investigation into your affairs you could run the risk of increased penalties and criminal prosecution.

There are still many options available in order to make a voluntary disclosure of undisclosed tax.

Our team can assist in establishing the right disclosure facility and calculating the tax liability owed. We can also assist in liaising with HMRC on your behalf.

If you would like to discuss you tax affairs in complete confidence with our tax investigations and disclosures professionals, you can call us on 0113 387 5670 or fill out an Enquiry Form and we will contact you straight away.