HMRC officers are using new powers to target till fraud carrying out spot checks on businesses which suppress takings to avoid tax. This comes after the introduction of new powers to combat till fraud, which allow HMRC officers to enter businesses and inspect their tills for possible fraud.
HMRC officers detained three people in a day of action following the introduction of additional powers in the battle against till fraud in the most recent campaign.
Electronic sales suppression (ESS) devices allow users hide or lower the value of till sales, and businesses that make, provide, or promote them now face fines of up to £50,000 and criminal investigations. Users may potentially face fines as HMRC intensifies its attempts to combat tax evasion.
On May 18, 2022, 30 establishments across nine counties were visited to investigate ESS, including stores, takeaways, and restaurants, and two men and a woman were arrested in Nottinghamshire as part of a criminal investigation into the alleged provision of ESS software.
The men, ages 43 and 58, were arrested along with a lady, age 56, on charges of fraud and defrauding the government.
HMRC agents conducted a search warrant at three locations, seizing computers, digital devices, and documentation. All three suspects have been released while their cases are being investigated.
‘Tax crime does not stand still, and neither do we,’ said Lucy Frazer, Financial Secretary to the Treasury. ‘The increased tools available to HMRC allow them to clamp down on ESS and assist recover tax revenues to sustain our important public services.’
‘Electronic Sales Suppression offers the appearance that a business is trading properly, when in fact they’re taking money from taxpayers,’ said Marc Gill, HMRC’s director of people and small business compliance.
Anyone who uses, supplies, makes, or promotes ESS is encouraged to report using our disclosure tool. Making a disclosure is not only the appropriate thing to do, but it may also result in financial penalties being reduced.’
Users of the ESS will either have access to specialized software or will configure their electronic point of sale (EPOS) equipment in such a way that they may knowingly hide genuine sales and the accompanying tax.
Sales processed through the till appear to be recorded normally, however the end of day report is purposefully modified behind the scenes to minimize reported takings.
HMRC can collect tax evaded and start investigations that could lead to criminal prosecutions as part of its ESS investigations.
HMRC offers a voluntary disclosure option for reporting ESS use, delivery, or promotion. Those who use or benefit from ESS may have their financial penalties lowered if they make a disclosure today.
Click here for HMRC manual on Making Tax Digital for Business
If you are a self employed, business owner/director of company looking to get your accountancy and taxation matters sorted, look no further. We, at Naail & Co, are pro-active and easily accessible accountants and tax advisors, who will not only ensure that all your filing obligations are up to date with Companies House and HMRC, but also you do not pay a penny more in taxes than you have to. We work on a fixed fee basis and provide same day response to all your phone and email enquiries. We will also allocate a designated accounts manager who would have better understanding of your and business financial and taxation affairs. Book a free consultation call using the link below.
Get further information from the following blogs
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our weekly feed.
69-71 Lambeth Walk London SE11 6DX
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Subscribe to our newsletter
Follow us
Download from
Services
DROP US A LINE
Copyright 2024 Naail & Co | Designed by Orion Global Consulting. | Naail & Co is the trading name of Naail & Co Ltd | Company registration number 08606377 | VAT registration number 170 3380 31
