HMRC Enforces Crackdown on Non-Compliant High Street Businesses

Chancellor John Healey is urging people to report tax fraud as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) ramps up its work to tackle illegal activity on the high street.

The improved Report Tax Fraud service on GOV.UK makes it easier than ever to ‘shop' high street businesses they suspect are involved in fraud, from vape shops to barber shops.

The service prompts users for specific, factual information about what they have observed – such as suspicious activity, behaviour, locations and timings to do with money laundering or other HMRC-related criminal activity.

Information submitted through the service will help HMRC's enforcement teams build intelligence, identify patterns, assess risks and target its compliance and enforcement activity more effectively. All information can be submitted anonymously.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said:

“Too many high streets have been blighted by dodgy shops that harm local communities and undercuts honest businesses.

"If you see something that doesn’t look right, like suspected tax fraud or money laundering, use HMRC’s fraud reporting service and help protect our high streets.”

In May the Home Office launched a new High Street Organised Crime Unit with £30 million of funding, bringing HMRC together with other government departments, Trading Standards, policing partners and the National Crime Agency (NCA), aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in tax fraud, labour exploitation and the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.

HMRC Press Release

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