Posted by James Curtis
UK sole traders could be tempted to seek the advice of a contractor accountant following recent comments made by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The department has announced that it is to use new technology to clamp down on tax avoidance and evasion in a range of industries.
Those working in the home improvement sector or buying and selling goods directly to others will come in for particular attention, but the campaigns will be widespread as the government attempts to improve tax compliance.
Marian Wilson, of HMRC Risk and Intelligence, explained: "Using new technology, we have been able to analyse returns to HMRC covering a range of taxes and to cross-reference these with other information to build a picture of where we believe we have taxpayers with missing returns.
"We will use the same technology to analyse information gathered to support the following two campaigns and for each campaign, after the opportunity has closed, we will use the information we have to pursue those who choose not to use the chances we provide to put their affairs in order."
The news comes shortly after reports showed that HMRC wrote off £10.9 billion worth of tax in 2009-10.
