Tax evaders in prison less time
HMRC is cracking down on smaller tax evaders, according to research published today by law firm Pinsent Masons.
The pursuit of smaller cases has pushed the average length of custodial sentences given to criminal tax evaders from 41.3 months in 2011 to 17.7 months in 2014. Meanwhile, the total number of tax evaders given a custodial sentence has climbed 30 per cent, from 171 in 2011 to 220 in 2014.
“The figures reflect the great deal of pressure being placed on the Revenue – by both politicians and the public – to show zero tolerance when it comes to tax evasion,” said Pinsent Masons partner Fiona Fernie.