One week left to settle past tax bills

Taxpayers who have failed to submit tax returns for past years have one week left to come forward and take advantage of an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) campaign.

Launched on 9 July, the campaign is aimed at people who received a Self Assessment tax return, or a notice to complete a tax return for any year up to and including 2011-12, but have failed to submit it.

To benefit from the campaign terms and to avoid a higher penalty, participants have until 15 October to complete and submit their outstanding tax returns, and pay the tax and National Insurance Contributions that they owe.

After 15 October, penalties of up to 100 per cent of the tax, or even criminal investigation, could follow.

Marian Wilson, HMRC’s head of campaigns, said:

“People who take part in this campaign will receive the best terms available – but they need to send returns without delay to meet the 15 October closing date.

“I urge people to take advantage of the quickest and most straightforward way to bring their tax affairs up to date and benefit now from the best terms available rather than face a higher bill later.”

HMRC campaigns launched so far have produced more than £553 million by people coming forward voluntarily to pay the tax they owe. HMRC analyses information using a state-of-the-art software system, Connect, to identify people who have gaps in their tax records.

This campaign follows last year’s Tax Return Initiative, which covered higher-rate taxpayers who had failed to submit 2008-09 or 2009-10 returns. As a result of the campaign, more than £30 million was paid to HMRC in outstanding tax, with over 3,000 people coming forward voluntarily, filing more than 5,500 tax returns. After an opportunity focusing on higher rate taxpayers closed last year, HMRC issued £58 million in tax demands to those who did not come forward.

Help is available from HMRC:

·  online at  http://hmrc.gov.uk/campaigns/mtrc.htm

·  through a dedicated helpline on 0845 601 8818

Notes for editors

1.  Campaigns have so far raised £553 million from voluntary disclosures, and nearly £140 million from follow-up activity, including 20,000 completed investigations. HMRC campaigns have targeted offshore investments, medical professionals, plumbers, VAT defaulters, coaches and tutors, electricians, online traders and higher rate taxpayers with outstanding tax returns. Seven people have been convicted, with custodial sentences handed out of up to two years. Between them, they have had to pay over £550,000.

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

3.  An HMRC video on YouTube will help people who have undeclared tax understand what their obligations are and what they need to do www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP6xMaiiYw4

4.  HMRC’s Connect system contains more than a billion tax records and information from third parties and the internet. Data includes income, interest on bank accounts, taxes paid and unpaid, business ownership, and information from tax authorities in other countries. The system uses analytics to spot connections, with the aim of revealing those evading taxes.

5.  Follow HMRC on Twitter @HMRCgovuk

6.  HMRC’s flickr channel www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk