Electricians have one week left to pay tax

Under the Electricians Tax Safe Plan, electricians can pay any tax and interest they owe, with most receiving a penalty of no more than 10 per cent of tax owed. Normally, penalties of up to 100 per cent of the tax owed can be charged, with criminal investigation possible in the worst cases.

The campaign is aimed at anyone who installs, maintains and tests electrical systems, equipment and appliances – and covers any tax owed, for whatever reason.

The deadline for electricians to pay the tax they owe is 14 August 2012.

Marian Wilson, head of HMRC Campaigns, said:

“Electricians who think they owe tax should get in touch today and get their tax affairs in order, easily and on the best terms.

“If you cannot afford to pay what you owe all at once, don’t worry. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to spread the payments.

“Once the disclosure opportunity closes on 14 August, electricians who have not come forward but are found to have unpaid tax liabilities will face higher penalties, rising to 100 per cent of the tax evaded or, possibly, even criminal prosecution.”

How do electricians let HMRC know that they intend to make a tax disclosure? 

• Online by completing a form at www.hmrc.gov.uk/campaigns/notify.htm
• Call HMRC on 0845 601 5041, where a dedicated team is available to give to information and advice.

The Electricians Tax Safe Plan is the second part of a campaign aimed at tradespeople. The first targeted plumbers and heating engineers.

HMRC campaigns have so far have collected nearly £510 million from people coming forward to HMRC, and more than £120 million from HMRC follow-ups, including over 18,000 completed investigations. There are also 23 criminal cases under way; two plumbers have been jailed and another received a suspended prison sentence.

Notes for editors

1. The terms being made available during this window are in line with those HMRC offers for any full and accurate unprompted voluntary 
disclosure of tax liabilities.

2. Previous HMRC campaigns have targeted offshore investments, medical professionals, private tutors and coaches, plumbers, VAT defaulters, online traders and higher rate taxpayers who have failed to submit tax returns. 

3. Further information on HMRC campaigns: www.hmrc.gov.uk/campaigns/news.htm 

4. HMRC news releases on plumber’s campaign court cases:

- Surrey plumber jailed
- Hampshire plumber sentenced
- Plumber jailed for tax fraud

5. Follow HMRC on Twitter @HMRCgovuk

6. Images are available on HMRC’s flickr channel www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk