Crackdown launched on London’s restaurant industry

A taskforce tackling tax dodgers in London’s restaurant industry was launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC has seen an increased risk of fraudulent activity in the restaurant industry and the taskforce is expected to recover £3 million in London and East Anglia.

Taskforces are specialist teams that undertake intensive bursts of activity in specific high-risk trade sectors and locations in the UK. The teams visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.

David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“The people being targeted by this taskforce have no intention of playing by the rules. This Government has made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and we have provided HMRC with the resources to crack down on those who break the law.”

HMRC has collected more than £130 million as a result of taskforces launched since 2011-12. It expects to bring in over £90 million from taskforces launched in 2014-15.

HMRC’s Jennie Granger, Director General of Enforcement and Compliance, said:
“HMRC taskforces are deployed in sectors and areas where we've detected a high risk of tax evasion. If you haven’t declared all your income we will find you and investigate. Not only could you face a heavy fine, but a criminal prosecution as well.”

If you know anyone who is evading their taxes, you can tell HMRC by calling the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.

Other taskforces being launched today will target:
• construction industry in the Midlands
• hidden wealth - including people with offshore accounts and those living lifestyles beyond their obvious means through assets from undeclared income - in London, East Anglia and South Wales

February 12, 2014