Earlier this year HMRC launched their first ever TV advertising campaign aimed at cracking down on those who evade paying their taxes. The adverts, broadcast in prime-time evening slots, encourage the public to report anyone they suspect of cheating the tax system via a new confidential hotline. The TV campaign followed radio and press advertisements which, according to HMRC, led to a huge increase in the number of people contacting them.
The campaign has not been without controversy. One of the press adverts depicted a plumber hiding under a kitchen sink and read ‘With your help, we’ll make sure self-employed people who don’t pay their tax have nowhere to hide.’ This led the Federation of Small Businesses to complain to the Advertising Standards Authority, claiming that the advert was ‘harmful and misleading’.
In addition to the press campaign, HMRC have also launched a new page on their website (www.hmrc.gov.uk), where online reports of suspected tax evasion can be made.