Taxpayers to benefit from lower penalties if they disclose and settle liabilities by 28 February 2013
HMRC has offered direct sellers who have unpaid tax liabilities an opportunity to come forward and benefit from lower penalties rather than wait for the department to catch up with them.
‘Direct selling involves selling directly to customers without the need for a shop. Selling can involve demonstrating a product in a customer’s home, sometimes at a party, while some agents sell door to door, often using catalogues. Direct sellers take commission on the sales they make,’ HMRC said.
Taxpayers in this target group are often called agents, consultants, representatives or distributors. Marian Wilson, Head of HMRC Campaigns, said direct sellers are ‘generally considered to be self-employed’.
Those who wish to take part need to make a disclosure, and pay any tax, interest and penalties owed by 28 February 2013. ‘Taxpayers who have not come forward but are found to have unpaid tax liabilities will face higher penalties, rising to 100% of the tax unpaid or, potentially, criminal investigation,’ HMRC said.
Guidance on the campaign, including a YouTube video and a tax, interest and penalty calculator, is provided on the HMRC website.
Taxpayers to benefit from lower penalties if they disclose and settle liabilities by 28 February 2013
HMRC has offered direct sellers who have unpaid tax liabilities an opportunity to come forward and benefit from lower penalties rather than wait for the department to catch up with them.
‘Direct selling involves selling directly to customers without the need for a shop. Selling can involve demonstrating a product in a customer’s home, sometimes at a party, while some agents sell door to door, often using catalogues. Direct sellers take commission on the sales they make,’ HMRC said.
Taxpayers in this target group are often called agents, consultants, representatives or distributors. Marian Wilson, Head of HMRC Campaigns, said direct sellers are ‘generally considered to be self-employed’.
Those who wish to take part need to make a disclosure, and pay any tax, interest and penalties owed by 28 February 2013. ‘Taxpayers who have not come forward but are found to have unpaid tax liabilities will face higher penalties, rising to 100% of the tax unpaid or, potentially, criminal investigation,’ HMRC said.
Guidance on the campaign, including a YouTube video and a tax, interest and penalty calculator, is provided on the HMRC website.
