Haulage companies in the Midlands are advised to get their tax affairs in order, following HMRC’s launch of a taskforce hoping to tackle regional tax dodgers within the sector.
HMRC first set up dedicated taskforces in 2011, to conduct programmes of intensive investigations aimed at specific industry sectors. It expects its current investigation on haulage firms in the Midlands to recover £3.5 million in unpaid taxes.
Baker Tilly, an accountancy and business advisory firm, now warns that HMRC may visit businesses within the region personally, to examine books and carry out investigations into their affairs.
“HMRC would not be launching this investigation unless it had good reason to believe that tax evasion was taking place,” said Paul Merris, a partner in Baker Tilly’s Birmingham Office.
“For peace of mind, Midlands haulage firms would do well to review their affairs to ensure that they are in order and if they have any reason to believe that their tax arrangements are not completely up to date then the matter should be addressed with high priority, perhaps seeking expert advice if necessary.”
