690 Convictions for Tax Fraud in 2013
HM Revenue and Customs have confirmed the number of tax fraud convictions made in 2013. It has been revealed that almost 700 perpetrators of fraud where discovered and convicted.
Tax Fraud Convictions Have Risen Since 2012
2012 saw only 477 successful convictions as a result of HMRC’s efforts to combat tax fraud. In 2013, this number leapt to 690 in 2013 – an increase of around 45%. The conviction rates in 2013 were the highest since the Spending Review of 2010.
A Significant Rise In VAT & Income Tax Fraud
The convictions result from a number of HMRC initiatives and investigations. These figures include a broad range of offences including from smuggling to benefit fraud. Fraud involving VAT and income tax were prominent contributors to the final figure.
The figures were welcomed by David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury. Gauke said: “The government is determined to make sure people pay the tax they owe and HMRC will come down hard on those who try to cheat the system.