Tax evasion warning

A Lancashire tax expert is warning there is more likelihood of individuals and businesses being subject to criminal prosecution after the Government announced a major crackdown on tax evasion.

Nadeem Hussain, head of tax at Pierce business advisory and accountancy group in Blackburn, warns that HMRC is expected to target smaller businesses as well as large global firms, with tax evasion reportedly depriving the Government of £14 billion each year.

“Whatever we may think about the moral issues behind certain tax avoidance arrangements they should not be confused with tax evasion.”

He added: “Recently the right to name and shame those evading tax has been made law, and I think we will see more of this kind of action being taken in coming months.