How HMRC Can Stop Cash Payment Tax Evasion

 

Never let it be said that I am not helpful.

Here, courtesy of Aakash Gupta, is a simple method HMRC can employ to reduce the problem of cash payment tax evasion.

Taiwan solved tax evasion in 1951 with a trick so cheap it should embarrass every tax authority on the planet. 

The problem was an all-cash economy full of small shops. A merchant pockets the cash, skips the receipt, and the sale never existed. Auditors can't catch what was never recorded, and hiring enough of them to watch every noodle stand costs more than the missing tax. 

So finance chief Ren Xianqun flipped the incentive. Print a lottery number on every receipt. Draw winners every two months on live TV. Top prize today: NT$10 million, about $310K. 

Suddenly the customer and the shopkeeper want opposite things. The merchant wants the sale off the books. The customer wants the ticket. And there are millions more customers than merchants. 

Every transaction now carries a built-in witness demanding the paper trail. Year one, reported tax revenue jumped 75%, from NT$29 million to NT$51 million. Seventy-five years later, roughly 70% of Taiwanese still play. 

Convenience stores redeem the smallest NT$200 prizes at the register, so even a coffee receipt feels like a scratch card. The elegant part is what the audit force costs. The prize pool runs about NT$7 billion a year, roughly $20 million. In exchange, the government gets 23 million unpaid auditors working every checkout line in the country, forever. 

No inspector general on earth delivers that coverage at that price. 

Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Slovakia all copied it. The most effective compliance tool ever built looks like a game, and that's exactly why it works.

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"

Avoidance vs Evasion

Tax does have to be taxing.


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"

Did Rayner Did Evade Taxes?

 

In a stunning admission that has rocked the Labour government, UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has confessed to underpaying stamp duty on her luxurious £800,000 seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex. The revelation, which came after days of intense media scrutiny and mounting pressure, sees Rayner agreeing to cough up the additional tax while referring herself to the Prime Minister's ethics adviser for investigation. 

But this mea culpa raises serious questions: How did a senior politician, who also serves as Housing Secretary, manage to "accidentally" dodge around £40,000 in taxes? And does this point to deliberate fraud and deception? 

Source The PalArse of Westminster

Suffice to say, she's currently blaming her adviser/advisers! 

Tax does have to be taxing.



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"

Tax Dodger Honoured

 

Tax does have to be taxing.



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"

Starmer Confuses Avoidance With Evasion

 

NEW

AI will help with “the fight against tax avoidance”, says Sir Keir Starmer this morning. Doesn’t he mean “evasion”?

— Christopher Hope📝 (@christopherhope) January 13, 2025

Tax does have to be taxing.

Tax Investigation Insurance

Unlock Peace of Mind with Solar Protect Tax Fee Protection

Are You Ready for an HMRC Enquiry? Every year, thousands of businesses, sole traders, and individuals face the daunting prospect of an HMRC tax investigation. Don't let this be you without protection!

Introducing Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance:

• Market-Leading Coverage: Tailored for businesses, sole traders, and individuals, ensuring you're covered no matter your tax situation.
• Zero Excess: No out-of-pocket expenses for you. We cover your accountant's fees in full.
• Up to £100,000 Reimbursement: If HMRC knocks, rest assured your defence costs are taken care of up to £100,000.

What Solar Protect Does for You:

• Robust Defence: Empower your accountant to handle all HMRC correspondence, meetings, and appeals without financial worry.
• Full Support: From dealing with initial letters to attending tribunals, your tax return agent can focus on defending you, not on the cost.
• Peace of Mind: With Solar Protect, sleep easy knowing your accountant can fight for your rights without hesitation, thanks to our comprehensive coverage.

Why Risk It? HMRC enquiries can be stressful and costly. With Solar Protect, you're not just buying insurance; you're securing your financial peace of mind.

Get Protected Today! Don’t wait for the letter to arrive. Secure your Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance now and ensure your accountant can robustly defend you against any HMRC scrutiny.

Click Here to Safeguard Your Business and Peace of Mind!

Don't let an HMRC investigation drain your resources. With Solar Protect, you're covered, no matter what.

 
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"

Robert Venables KC: A Prominent Tax Lawyer Facing Tax Evasion Charges

In a surprising turn of events, Robert Venables KC, a distinguished tax barrister and senior member of Old Square Tax Chambers, is currently facing prosecution by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for allegedly evading tax over a period of nine years. This case has garnered significant attention, not only because of Venables' esteemed reputation in the legal community but also due to the serious nature of the charges.

Background and Career

Robert Venables KC has had a long and illustrious career in tax law. Called to the Bar in 1973, he was appointed as a Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel) in 1990. Venables has authored several books on tax law, particularly focusing on offshore and inheritance tax issues. He has also served as the chairman of the Revenue Bar Association and is a council member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

The Charges

Venables is facing two counts of "cheating the public revenue," a criminal offense that involves dishonestly evading tax. The charges relate to his personal tax returns for two distinct periods: from 2013 to 2022 and from 2018 to 2022. This is believed to be the first case of its kind involving a King's Counsel.

Venables' Response

In response to the charges, Venables has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Through a statement issued by his chambers, he expressed confidence that he has paid all tax lawfully due and emphasized that the charges pertain solely to his personal tax position, not to any of his clients. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Venables continues to practice and has the full support of his chambers.

Implications and Reactions

The prosecution of a high-profile barrister like Venables raises critical questions about ethics and integrity within the legal profession. It underscores the importance of legal professionals maintaining the highest standards of compliance and transparency in their personal tax affairs. The legal community is closely watching the case, as its outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Conclusion

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Robert Venables KC will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between legal expertise and personal responsibility. The legal profession is founded on trust, and incidents like this challenge that foundation. Venables' assertions of compliance with tax laws will be tested in court, and the legal community, along with the public, will be watching closely.

The next hearing is set for 11 May 2025.

Tax does have to be taxing.

Tax Investigation Insurance

Market leading tax fee protection insurance for businesses, sole traders and individuals. Protect yourself from accountancy fees in the event of an HMRC enquiry.

Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (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

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"

Tax Avoidance vs Tax Evasion

 

Tax avoidance and tax evasion are two terms used to describe different types of behaviour related to paying taxes.

Tax avoidance refers to the legal practice of arranging one's financial affairs in a way that minimises the amount of taxes owed. It involves using legal tax deductions, credits, and exemptions to reduce one's tax liability. Tax avoidance is considered acceptable and legal by all, except the ignorant and politicians looking for a soundbite.

Tax evasion, on the other hand, is the illegal practice of not reporting all of one's income or assets to the tax authorities in order to evade paying taxes. Tax evasion involves intentionally misrepresenting or concealing information from the tax authorities to reduce or eliminate one's tax liability. Tax evasion is illegal and can result in criminal charges and penalties.

In summary, tax avoidance is legal and involves taking advantage of legal tax deductions and exemptions to minimise one's tax liability, while tax evasion is illegal and involves intentionally failing to report income or assets to evade paying taxes.

Tax does have to be taxing.

Tax Investigation Insurance

Market leading tax fee protection insurance for businesses, sole traders and individuals. Protect yourself from accountancy fees in the event of an HMRC enquiry.

Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (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

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"

The "Grey" Area - Avoidance vs Evasion

 

The Yorkshire Post reports that HMRC has individuals under criminal investigation for offences classified as relating to disguised remuneration and the loan charge.

A spokesman for HMRC made the comments in response to a joint report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Anti-Corruption & Responsible Tax and TaxWatch which recommended that HMRC changes its approach to enforcement by using existing criminal law to prosecute the advisers behind the most aggressive tax avoidance schemes.

The report argues that much that is claimed to be "legal" tax avoidance is actually criminal tax fraud.

An HMRC spokesperson said: 

“HMRC is committed to tackling tax avoidance schemes targeted at individuals and the amount lost through them has fallen by two thirds since 2013/14.

We continue to make it harder for promoters to sell tax avoidance schemes and to reduce demand, stepping up our efforts to warn individuals about the risks of being drawn in to avoidance, and helping them to get out of a scheme once they realise that they might be caught up in one.”

HMRC has not clarified how many "promoters" have been prosecuted.

Tax does have to be taxing.

Tax Investigation Insurance

Market leading tax fee protection insurance for businesses, sole traders and individuals. Protect yourself from accountancy fees in the event of an HMRC enquiry.

Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (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

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"

Taxi!

 

Under its data gathering powers HMRC may request data from business intermediaries/apps who enable or facilitate transactions, which includes data that relates to an account or system that payments are credited into. 

This, for instance, allows HMRC to request details of taxi drivers who have received payments through the relevant booking app. 

AccountingWeb reports that HMRC has exercised this power recently, and as a result it has identified individuals who may have under-declared their income from driving taxis or private hire vehicles. Over the next few weeks, HMRC will write to around 4,000 of those drivers. 

This is a small proportion of the estimated 300,000 taxi drivers in the UK, but HMRC has indicated that this will not be the end of its investigations into this sector. 

Where there is undeclared income HMRC asks the taxpayer to make a voluntary disclosure using the HMRC’s online disclosure service. In such cases it would be prudent to seek advice from tax investigation specialist before attempting to make a declaration. 

The HMRC letter also asks the recipient to sign and return a certificate of tax position within 30 days. 

The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) advises that there is no legal obligation on the individual to complete the certificate of tax position and return it to HMRC. Also, the period covered by the certificate of tax position – and therefore the declaration – is not restricted to a particular tax year. It applies to all years and has no de minimis level.

The taxpayer should be advised of the serious consequences of making a false declaration. If the individual believes their tax affairs are correct and up to date, and they don’t need to make a disclosure, it may be better to respond by letter to HMRC rather than complete the certificate of tax position.

In all cases the taxpayer, or their tax agent, should reply to HMRC within the deadline to indicate what course of action will be taken.

Tax does have to be taxing.

Tax Investigation Insurance

Market leading tax fee protection insurance for businesses, sole traders and individuals. Protect yourself from accountancy fees in the event of an HMRC enquiry.

Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

Tax Investigation Insurance is an insurance policy that will fully reimburse your accountant's (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

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"

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.

Tax Investigation Insurance

Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

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"

Rishi Conflates Avoidance With Evasion

In yesterday's Budget Rishi Sunak has pledged extra funding to support HM Revenue & Custom's crackdown on tax avoidance, which the chancellor said would create an additional £4.4bn in revenue over the next five years.

Rishi Sunak said funds created by an upcoming "clampdown" on tax "avoidance, evasion and non-compliance" would be funnelled towards the NHS.

Mr Sunak said:

"I am announcing a package of measures today to clampdown on aggressive tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance including extra funding for HMRC to secure £4.4bn of additional revenue."

Seemingly the proposal will see 1,300 staff added to operational teams within HMRC, intended to improve its compliance work and debt collection capabilities. 

Tax does have to be taxing.

Tax Investigation Insurance

Having a Solar Protect Tax Investigation Insurance policy at your disposal means that should you be one of the many 1000's of businesses or individuals that are selected by HMRC each year to look into your tax affairs your own accountant (your tax return agent) can get on and defend you robustly.

You have the peace of mind knowing that your accountant's (your tax return agent) fees will be paid by the insurance without any Excess for you to find.

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"

Media Needs To Learn The Difference Between Evasion and Avoidance

The Scotsman gleefully reports that

Edinburgh is one of the top spots for UK tax avoiders, a new investigation has revealed.

That is all very well and dandy, until you read the article and discover that the writer was referring to a report which said:

"The capital is home to 145 people who have admitted underpaying tax from offshore investments last year...

....
Colin Wright, chairman of UHY Hacker Young group, said: “HMRC’s crackdown on taxpayers offshore is prompting more individuals in Edinburgh to come in from the cold and make a voluntary disclosure.

“The growing resources at HMRC’s disposal means there is nowhere to hide for taxpayers with undeclared offshore interests. It, therefore, makes a lot of financial sense to make a disclosure as this can reduce penalties from up to 200 per cent of unpaid tax to less than 100 per cent.”

He added: “HMRC does not discriminate and will come down hard on all taxpayers with undeclared offshore interests – even if an error on a tax return arises from a genuine mistake. It is therefore important that taxpayers keep their affairs up to date.”

In other words, unless the underpayment was due to a genuine mistake, these underpayments were tax evasion NOT tax avoidance.

Therefore will the media and politicians please get it into their heads that avoidance and evasion are two entirely different things; one being legal, the other being illegal!


Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"

HMRC Clamping Down on Avoidance Scheme Enablers

HMRC is clamping down on the promoters and enablers of tax avoidance schemes in an effort to stop situations like the loan charge happening in the future.

Speaking at a Treasury select committee evidence session on October 22, Penny Ciniewicz, HMRC’s director general of customer compliance, said the department was “doubling the resources” it had involved in tackling those in the 'avoidance supply chain'.

This includes companies and people ranging from the designers of schemes to accountants and financial advisers who recommend the schemes to their clients.

Ms Ciniewicz said:

“We have more than 100 current investigations into promoters [and enablers] and we’re keeping a very close eye on the market for avoidance.

We are spotting schemes as they emerge and we’re tackling them.”

Avoidance is legal, evasion is illegal.

The issue with the loan charge scheme is that it was deemed to be illegal, and then HMRC went after people who had used it before it was deemed illegal (ie there is a retrospective element to this).

Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"

A Little Light Relief

Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"

What's Going On?

The UK got access to a wealth of information from dozens of tax havens two years ago - so why has the number of tax evasion investigations by HMRC gone down? Find out more in the new Private Eye, out now.

— Private Eye Magazine (@PrivateEyeNews) June 13, 2019

Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"

HMRC's Football Mania

A spokesperson from HMRC is quoted by Citywire:

"HMRC carefully scrutinises the individual image rights arrangements between football clubs and their players to make sure the right tax is being paid in the UK.

We are carrying out visits to every Premier League club and most football league clubs, along with their players. We're currently making enquiries into 198 footballers, 44 football clubs and 29 agents for a range of issues, including image rights abuse."

All very well and jolly, maybe. However, avoidance is not illegal and greater rewards would be had from pursuing evasion as noted last week.


Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"

HMRC's Focus on Avoidance Rubbished In Finance Sub Committee

Kudos to the Lords Finance Sub Committee for nailing a few issues!

Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"

All Animals Are Equal, But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others

The Times reports that HMRC has admitted for the first time that it allows the most powerful members of society to escape prosecution for financial crimes.

At an economic crime conference in Cambridge last week, a senior government official admitted that HMRC accommodated celebrities’ concerns and settled debts privately to avoid the embarrassment of a public trial.

HMRC, however, continues to prosecute smugglers, small businesses and benefits cheats.

Richard Las, the deputy director of HMRC in charge of organised crime, said that “very wealthy and prominent members of the community” were afraid of the “reputational damage” that a criminal trial would bring.

As ever it is the low hanging fruit (eg SME's, "ordinary" people etc) that HMRC target.

Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"

HMRC Is Clueless

BREAKING: Massive UK-wide tax evasion scheme uncovered involving billions - but HMRC / Customs officials are utterly clueless. Here's the proof:https://t.co/huAO2BqeQ7@SkyNewsBreak @BBCNews @LizKershawDJ @lbcbreaking @itvnews @Channel4News @Channel5N @standardnews @dotasscandal

— HMRC 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 #FBPE 🌍 (@HMRCon) August 1, 2018

Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"

HMRC Challenged Over Data Sharing

An EU national is challenging HMRC over new rules that require tax authorities around the world to automatically exchange information on millions of their citizens who live abroad. In a complaint to the UK’s data protection regulator, the EU citizen said the common reporting standard — a key measure against tax evasion developed by international experts that is now being gradually introduced by more than 100 countries — made her personal information vulnerable to cyber hacking or an accidental leak.

In her complaint against the common reporting standard to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, the EU citizen said the exchange of information required by the rules will expose her to “a disproportionate risk of data loss and potentially hacking”.

She is quoted by the FT:

“This risk has crystallised recently in light of incidents in which HMRC has lost data concerning UK taxpayers and recent data breaches concerning UK banks.” 

Her complaint cited how HMRC had lost the personal records of 25m taxpayers in 2007, as well as a media report in 2017 outlining how the tax authority’s website was vulnerable to cyber attacks. HMRC subsequently took action to fix the weaknesses.

HMRC declined to discuss the case but added:

“HMRC shares some personal data with overseas tax authorities to ensure that the right tax is being paid. HMRC only ever shares information when it’s entirely lawful to do so. This includes complying with applicable GDPR requirements.” 

The fact is data is vulnerable to hacking, even when the data is stored by "reputable/professional" organisations!

Tax does have to be taxing.

Professional Cover Against the Threat of Costly TAX and VAT Investigations

Insurance to protect you against the cost of enquiry or dispute with HMRC is available from several sources including Solar Tax Investigation Insurance.

Ken Frost has negotiated a 10% discount on any polices that may suit your needs.

However, neither Ken Frost nor HMRCISSHITE either endorses or recommends their services.

What is Solar Tax Investigation Insurance?

Solar Tax Investigation Insurance is a tax-fee protection service that will pay up to £75,000 towards your accountant's fees in the event of an HM Revenue & Customs full enquiry or dispute.

To find out more, please use this link Solar Tax Investigation Insurance



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"