Cabbies suspected of rank tax affairs pulled up in NI

A taskforce set up by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)to check that taxi operators and drivers have paid the tax they owe, has targeted 8 business premises across Northern Ireland this morning as part of an investigation into suspected tax evasion.

HMRC officers visited the business premises in counties Antrim, Down and Fermanagh and uplifted business records for examination.

Michael Connolly, HMRC’s Taskforce Coordinator in Northern Ireland, said:

“Tax evasion is a crime that costs society dearly. While over 90% of people play by the rules and pay their dues, our taskforces target areas where we see a risk that people won’t pay what they owe.

“The public’s help in fighting tax crime is vital, and it can be reported to us on 0800 788 887.”

Enquiries are ongoing and any evidence of tax evasion can be taken forward either civilly or criminally through the courts.

Notes for editors

1.Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice

2.HMRC Interventions took place in the following areas:

• Antrim
• Bangor
• Belfast
• Enniskillen
• Lisburn

3.Photographs are available at HMRC’s Flickr channel: www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk

4.This HMRC taskforce was set up to tackle taxi operators and drivers in Northern Ireland not paying what they owe. Those caught out could face a penalty or even a criminal prosecution.

5.HMRC taskforces target specific high-risk sectors where there is a risk that some are not paying the tax they owe. Since Taskforces began in May 2011, over 100 taskforces have been launched, bringing in over £400m.

6.Taskforces bring together various HMRC compliance and enforcement teams for intensive bursts of activity targeted at specific sectors and locations where there is evidence of high risk of tax evasion and fraud. The teams visit traders to examine their records and carry out other investigations.