HMRC crackdown pushes tax evasion prosecutions up by a third

Prosecutions hit 795 in 2013/14, up from 617 in 2012/13, according to figures compiled by information gatherer Thomson Reuters. However this 29% increase is expected to be surpassed next year - with a 47% rise forecast. HMRC has set a target of 1165 prosecutions in 2014/15, meaning that prosecutions will have to jump by almost 50% in just one year to meet that target. The Revenue service's increased focus on prosecuting tax evaders has been reinforced by the upcoming introduction of a new criminal offence for taxpayers who fail to declare offshore income or gains. Under plans an...