HMRC campaign against dodgy accountants 'steps up a gear'

News Article - 04 August 2008
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Accountants who help their clients hide money in offshore centres such as Lichtenstein in an attempt to avoid paying tax could end up facing criminal prosecution, according to the outgoing chairman of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Speaking to Accountancy Age, Dave Hartnett said the ongoing offshore tax investigation was stepping up a gear.

During 2007, £400 million was recouped from British taxpayers with money in offshore accounts run by high street banks after leniency was granted in return for voluntary disclosure.

Those who have refused to cooperate so far may find they do not get off so lightly in the future, Mr Hartnett warned.

HMRC is using a new software system to look through financial reports and search the internet in order to gather evidence against accountants and establish suspicious patterns of behaviour.

However, Mr Harnett admitted catching accountants who were breaking the law was no easy matter.

He said: "Unfortunately accountants generally don't put signs up outside their offices saying come here for your Lichtenstein accounts."

Mr Hartnett originally joined HMRC in 1976 and was appointed as acting chairman in November last year.

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