Task Forces are specialist teams of HMR&C Investigators set up to visit traders in order to examine their records and carry out other investigations. They operate in what HMR&C perceive to be high-risk trade sectors and locations in the UK.
H M Revenue & Customs (HMR&C) has seen an increased risk of fraudulent VAT claims being submitted by the private security industry, which includes employees, security guards and bouncers.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Security Industry Authority and HMR&C on 9 September 2013 which strengthened the exchange of information between the two organisations. As a result HMR&C has set up a dedicated Task Force to investigate individuals, partnerships and Companies operating in this sector.
The target of this particular Task Force is to gather into the Treasury £10m of what is believed to be lost revenue.
Other Task Forces launched in the last couple of weeks will be scrutinising the following:
· the construction industry in London, with a target of £3m
· hidden wealth in the Midlands – including people with offshore bank accounts and those living lifestyles beyond their obvious means, with a target of £3m
· hidden economy in the second-hand motor trade in the Midlands, with a target of over £3m
According to the statistics maintained by HMR&C, more than £19m has already been collected by the actions of the Task Forces in less than 2 years.
A further £90m is expected to be generated by Task Force projects over the next three years.
If you think you are likely to be affected by any of these Task Forces and believe that you might need assistance, please consult the ex-Revenue trained Specialist Team at Cobham Murphy Limited for a free initial appraisal of your position. Contact can be made as follows:-
Telephone: 0151 285 3100
Fax: 0151 285 3131
Email: [email protected]
