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The taskforces will target specific business sectors in specific locations where there is evidence of tax evasion. The likely targets include:

• the rag trade;
• the motor trade;
• indoor and outdoor markets.

HMRC expects to collect over £50m as a result of 12 taskforces launched in 2011/12 and, with 13 criminal investigations under way, this figure is set to rise.

HMRC will also extend some of the taskforces from 2011 to different locations, including the scrap metal taskforce launched in Scotland in November.

HMRC’s director of local compliance, Richard Summersgill, says: ‘Taskforces only target people who are at high risk of breaking the rules and don’t pay the tax they owe. We know we’re going after the right people – some taskforces have hit rates of 100% so far. Only those who choose to break the rules, or deliberately evade the tax they should be paying, will be targeted.’

HMRC has set up a tax evasion hotline on 0800 788 887. 
        
 
 

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