Tax evasion is not to be confused with tax avoidance which is the legitimate structuring of tax affairs resulting in a lowering of your tax bill. Tax evasion covers many different areas from cash extractions to the deliberate manipulation of accounting adjustments which are not appropriate.

To quote from a Senior Inland Revenue official at a conference; "the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion is the thickness of a prison wall."

In reality very few cases of tax evasion result in prosecution of the perpetrator. Generally Inland Revenue Investigations results in a monetary settlement often including interest and a penalty of up to 100% of the tax evaded.

How much you pay depends on the tax evaded but it is common knowledge that being well represented in a tax investigation can considerably reduce your bill even if only in the level of penalty paid.

Tax evasion is investigated by many Inland Revenue departments and includes:

• Special Civil Investigation enquires.
  
• Corporate Tax Self Assessment enquires.
  
• Income Tax Self Assessment enquires.
  
• PAYE Audit.
• Civil Investigation of Fraud Enquiries
  

These are the main types of investigations where tax fraud will be discovered.

Gilbert Tax has helped many individuals who are accused of tax evasion and who are subject to a tax investigation. For examples of how we have assisted some of our clients please click here.
If you are accused of tax fraud and would like expert advice please phone 0800 734 3333, 07771 974137 or click here