HMRC have, for the first time, published a list of the names of deliberate tax evaders. The list has been published on the HMRC website as part of the tax office’s plan of attack on those who deliberately avoid paying tax.
The power to publish the names of deliberate defaulters was granted in the hopes that the approach will deter others from deliberately avoiding their tax obligations.
A spokesperson for HMRC explained that this new move is part of an overall scheme into ‘combating tax evasion and non-compliance’ and aims on ‘creating a level playing field for honest people and businesses by cracking down on the minority who seek to evade tax’
HMRC have promised that those who make a full disclosure at the start of an investigation will not have their details published and hope that this will encourage people to come clean on tax evasion of their own accord.
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“HMRC is dedicated to clamping down on the small minority of people who break the law, and finding and taking action against tax cheats who try to evade their responsibilities. The publication of these names sends a clear signal that cheating on tax is wrong and reassures people who pay their taxes – the vast majority – that there are consequences for those who refuse to tell HMRC about their full liability. It also encourages defaulters to make a full and prompt disclosure and cooperate with HMRC to avoid being named.”
HMRC will update the list of names featured on their website each quarter.
