Fake HMRC Covid Emails Skyrocket

The FT reports that the number of scam emails purporting to be from the HMRC has skyrocketed since the start of the year, as criminals seek to exploit financial fears over the coronavirus outbreak.

The number of phishing emails referring to Covid-19 reported to HMRC climbed to 42,575 in March — up 74 per cent since January.

The pandemic has led to a wider increase in fraud. According to Action Fraud, the UK’s fraud reporting centre, 1,713 people had lost £3.5m to Covid-19 related scams by May 15.

HMRC has stressed it will never email, text or message individual taxpayers on social media to offer a tax rebate or refund.

Taxpayers should forward any suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and send any suspicious texts to 60599. Consumers who receive suspect messages can also compare them with examples of scams published on the government’s web pages.

Tax does have to be taxing.

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Covid Pause Over - HMRC Restarts Enquiries

Fiona Fernie, a tax dispute resolution partner at the tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, is quoted by BusinessMatters:

“The recent pause in HMRC’s routine enquiry work is over and they are starting to contact both taxpayers and their agents again. Arepresentative of HMRC to whom we spoke on Wednesday confirmed that the temporary pause in enquiries was being lifted this week.

This means that tax inspectors will be looking at both personal and business tax affairs with renewed vigour; they will be looking to see whether those who were not supposed to be working during furlough were and investigating things like internet trading while the lockdown has been in place.”

Tax does have to be taxing.

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• Premiums are Annual Premiums.
• Premiums are inclusive of 12% IPT. 
• Premiums and IPT are due in full in advance / at commencement of scheme.
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HMRC To Take Into Account Covid Excuse for Delay

HMRC has indicated it will show leniency if an inheritance tax return is delayed as a result of the coronavirus crisis. 

The government was made aware of concerns surrounding the 12-month deadline for filing a return and six-month deadline for payment of inheritance tax during the pandemic and associated lockdown in a parliamentary question submitted by Olivia Blake, MP for Sheffield Hallam.

She asked the Treasury what could be done for people who faced a bereavement during lockdown and would struggle to meet the six-month payment deadline. 

Jesse Norman, financial secretary to the Treasury, is quoted by the FT:

"Where a taxpayer is unable to file their return on time because of Covid-19, HMRC will consider that within the scope of a reasonable excuse and as grounds for appeal against late filing penalties.

The government continues to explore all avenues to help those affected."

Tax does have to be taxing.

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• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly
• Premiums are Annual Premiums.
• Premiums are inclusive of 12% IPT. 
• Premiums and IPT are due in full in advance / at commencement of scheme.
• There is a NIL excess on all policies.

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BIFA Says Don't Forget To Check The List of Customs Agents

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is encouraging its members to ensure that they are included on a list of customs agents and fast parcel operators being compiled and published by HMRC in preparation for January 1, 2021, when customs declarations will be required on goods moving into and out of the EU.

Robert Keen, Director General at BIFA is quoted by The Loadstar:

“Because the UK has left the EU, and whatever the outcome of the transition negotiations in regards to a trade deal, there will be a considerable increase in customs declarations from January 1, 2021.

“Rather than do the work themselves, many importers and exporters rely on freight forwarders, which have the appropriate experience, as well as software to communicate with HMRC’s systems, to manage the customs clearance of their commodities.

“Many of those importers and exporters will be using the government list for reference and that’s why we are encouraging BIFA’s members, which offer customs brokerage services, to ensure that their company is on it.”

Further details on how to be included on the list can be seen at

List of customs agents and fast parcel operators

Tax does have to be taxing.

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• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly
• Premiums are Annual Premiums.
• Premiums are inclusive of 12% IPT. 
• Premiums and IPT are due in full in advance / at commencement of scheme.
• There is a NIL excess on all policies.

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Covid Delays HMRC's Hubs

Financial secretary to the Treasury, Jesse Norman, has admitted that HMRC's plan for 13 region hubs plan has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

In a written Commons answer, Norman told MPs:

"HMRC recognise that covid-19 is having an impact on construction and fit-out of their new regional centres and that this poses a risk to scheduled delivery timescales.

HMRC’s initial planning has been on the basis that construction activity will be delayed by about three months, with a further month to remobilise fully."

Tax does have to be taxing.

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• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly
• Premiums are Annual Premiums.
• Premiums are inclusive of 12% IPT. 
• Premiums and IPT are due in full in advance / at commencement of scheme.
• There is a NIL excess on all policies.

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Professionally Worthless Accountant Sentenced For Tax Evasion

WalesOnLine reports that an accountant who “knew the system inside out” cheated HMRC out of £120,000 and tried to derail their investigation into him.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Martyn Arthur deliberately covered his tracks by keeping incomplete records then sent threatening and bullying emails to HMRC staff and prosecutors.

In his sentencing remarks Judge Michael Fitton QC told the defendant: “You are a man who has destroyed your own reputation. You are now professionally worthless.”

The charges of cheating the public revenue related to the five-year period between 2008 and 2013.

Anna Midgley, prosecuting, said Arthur worked as an accountant throughout his career, starting out with the Inland Revenue – now HMRC.

Judge Fitton noted that meant he “knew the system inside out” and had written a book called The Taxpayer Strikes Back about how to “stand up to” the tax authority. Prosecutors suggested he was in a position of trust and responsibility in his more recent role as a self-employed tax adviser.

Ms Midgley said: “In essence, he submitted inaccurate tax returns... in order to avoid paying the tax that was due.” She told the court he covered his tracks by deliberately keeping incomplete records, using multiple accounts and moving money between them.

The court heard HMRC launched a civil inquiry in 2012 and Arthur’s behaviour went from uncooperative to deliberately hostile and aggressive in a bid to put off investigators.

Judge Fitton said he “bombarded” HMRC with emails “to make yourself such a pain for them to deal with, you hoped they would regard you as not worth it and give up and go away”.

He was given an 18 month suspended sentence.

Tax does have to be taxing.

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Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountants (your tax return agent) fees up to £100,000 if you are subject to enquiry by or dispute with HMRC.

A Solar Protect policy will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to:

• Deal with any correspondence from HMRC
• Attend any meeting with HMRC
• Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
• Having the security of knowing that fees will be met in full will enable your Accountant (your tax return agent) to defend your position robustly
• Premiums are Annual Premiums.
• Premiums are inclusive of 12% IPT. 
• Premiums and IPT are due in full in advance / at commencement of scheme.
• There is a NIL excess on all policies.

Please click here for details.


HMRC Is Shite (www.hmrcisshite.com), also available via the domain www.hmrconline.com, is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"