Warning for road haulage tax cheats

17th December 2013

Tax cheats in the South of England’s road transport industry are being targeted by an HMRC taskforce.

Aimed at individuals and businesses in South Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire, who are undeclaring income and selling/using illegal fuel, the taskforce is aiming to bring in £3.75 million.

“Not declaring income and selling/using illegal fuel is serious,” HMRC’s Jennie Granger, Director-General of Enforcement & Compliance, said.  “It is really important that we level the playing field by stopping tax cheats. 

“Our message is – do the right thing.  If you haven't already, come clean now.  If you don't, we will find you, investigate you and, not only could you face a heavy fine, but you may face a criminal prosecution as well.”

HMRC taskforces are specialist teams conducting intensive bursts of activity in specific high-risk trade sectors and locations, visiting traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.

HMRC has collected more than £100 million as a result of taskforces launched since 2011-12.  It has launched 54 taskforces over the past two years. A further 16 are planned for the current 2013-14 year and up to 30 for 2014-15.