HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is targeting tax cheats in the private security industry through the launch of a special taskforce for London and the South East of England.
The taskforce is aimed at security guards, door operatives and their employers. The taskforce team will visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.
According to HMRC, there has been an increased risk of fraudulent VAT repayment claims being submitted by the private security industry. It estimates the new taskforce will recover up to £10 million.
David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to support hardworking people who want to get on, but the people being targeted by these taskforces have no intention of playing by the rules.
“This Government has made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and we have provided HMRC with the resources to crack down on those who break the rules.”
Earlier in September, HMRC and the Security Industry Authority signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the exchange of information between the organisations with the aim of preventing, detecting and prosecuting criminal activity within the sector.
