HMRC said it has already sent letters to 900 known tax evaders informing them they are now under increased levels of personnel scrutiny as part of HMRC’s new Managing Deliberate Defaulters (MDD) programme.
MDD will closely monitor the tax affairs of individuals and businesses who have deliberately evaded tax to ensure they are complying with their tax obligations and have demonstrated “a permanent change in their behaviour”.
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Managing Deliberate Defaulters will deter people from evading tax in the future and reassure honest taxpayers that tax evaders will be dealt with.
“This government has made it clear that we will not tolerate people who refuse to pay their fair share and HM Revenue & Customs will pursue those who bend or break the rules.”
HMRC said the level and term of monitoring will depend on the seriousness of the offence, but it is not envisaged that anyone will be released from the programme within two years.
HMRC said it will continue to check that returns are filed on time and that any tax that is due is paid on time, but there will also be regular reviews of deliberate defaulters’ tax affairs to check that any errors or failings have been put right.
