Ex-HMRC chief: Accountants who stash clients' tax will be found
1 August 2008 13:50
Those looking for jobs in tax may wish to take heed of a new warning from the outgoing chairman of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Dave Harnett has stated that accountants who have put their client's money in offshore tax havens to avoid paying UK taxes could be at risk of criminal prosecution.
Speaking to Accountancy Age, he said British investors in overseas tax havens such as Liechtenstein are being offered a chance to confess in exchange for reduced penalties, but said those who do not do so could face serious charges.
Mr Harnett revealed that HMRC is building detailed profiles of rogue accountants, adding that it is keen to crack down on repeat offenders.
"We are constantly building up intelligence on firms that help their clients into any sort of [illegal] offshore arrangement … if we find a dishonest accountant we will automatically prosecute and the tax world knows this," he remarked.
Mr Harnett was appointed acting chairman of HMRC last November, having previously held posts in communications and marketing and the solicitors office, among others, since joining the Inland Revenue in 1976.
Find the latest Tax Jobs in London with Witan Jardine.
Dave Harnett has stated that accountants who have put their client's money in offshore tax havens to avoid paying UK taxes could be at risk of criminal prosecution.
Speaking to Accountancy Age, he said British investors in overseas tax havens such as Liechtenstein are being offered a chance to confess in exchange for reduced penalties, but said those who do not do so could face serious charges.
Mr Harnett revealed that HMRC is building detailed profiles of rogue accountants, adding that it is keen to crack down on repeat offenders.
"We are constantly building up intelligence on firms that help their clients into any sort of [illegal] offshore arrangement … if we find a dishonest accountant we will automatically prosecute and the tax world knows this," he remarked.
Mr Harnett was appointed acting chairman of HMRC last November, having previously held posts in communications and marketing and the solicitors office, among others, since joining the Inland Revenue in 1976.
Find the latest Tax Jobs in London with Witan Jardine.
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