Are gas fitters the next on HMRC’s target tax list?

February 26th 2010

It has been reported that gas fitters could be the next category of taxpayers to be subjected to HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) scrutiny.  Following on the heels of tax amnesties for offshore account holders, as well as doctors, dentists and others in the healthcare professions through the current Tax Health Plan, HMRC is expected to announce details of another tax amnesty along similar lines targeted at heating engineers and gas fitters.

Although this amnesty has not yet been confirmed, our thoughts are that if reports are correct, gas fitters will be allowed a period of time to register and then disclose any tax irregularities, which would be subject to a lesser penalty than the maximum 100% penalty which is the norm. 

This is part of HMRC’s clamp down on unpaid taxes, where it has been executing its rights under “powers of information” to obtain details from a variety of sources to check on earnings and run comparisons against tax declarations for various professional and industry sectors.

Undoubtedly some individuals may be worried about dealing with the HMRC under such circumstances therefore it is advisable to speak with a specialist tax adviser who can help as a guide through the process. For help and advice contact Iain Macleod at EDF Tax on 07920 146800 or email imacleod@edftax.co.uk.