So what should you do when you’re accused of tax fraud? We can all agree that this is not a situation in which anyone wants to find themselves. This article looks at tax fraud and covers some points you should consider if you’re unfortunate to have found yourself in this position. Whether you’re being falsely accused of tax fraud or if there’s been a misunderstanding, this can be a serious or even legal matter, and your first response and steps should be planned and accurate.
Filing your tax return correctly and accurately is the best way to avoid being accused of tax fraud. Our website provides online tax application forms and information for claiming PAYE tax refunds, estate agent mileage allowance refunds, CIS tax refunds, self assessment tax returns, transferring marriage allowance and more. Alternatively, if you don’t know which tax form is the one you need, you can always contact our team via chat, email or give us a call during office hours.
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What should you do if you’re accused of tax fraud by HMRC?
It is amazing how the government and HMRC let tax-dodging millionaires get away with what they are blatantly doing but doggedly chase low-income earners instead. It is a case of the rich getting richer and the poor becoming poorer all over again. What is even worse is that most of the people accused of cheating on their tax credits do not deserve such treatment.
They are falsely accused by an outsourcing company that did not even make an effort to investigate before they sent out letters of tax credit fraud.
Because such allegations will put low-income earners at risk of halted tax credits, recipients should not ignore them. But they should be wary of scammers as well. With this problem making headlines, many scammers could be taking advantage of the opportunity.
You need to spot the difference between tax scams and genuine requests from HMRC
If you’re being accused of tax fraud or if HMRC has a problem with your accounts, they will likely write to you at your registered address first. If anyone calls you, leaves voice messages or says you will be arrested or charged, it’s most likely a SCAM. In any case, it’s best to contact HMRC or first, you may want to call your accountant, who may be able to confirm if the challenge is legitimate.
In the case of Concentrix sending letters on behalf of HMRC, the difference is almost non-existent because you will be asked for personal financial information to be sent to the company within 30 days, the same way scammers would. This is why a lot of recipients ignore the letters and consider them to be hoaxes. So, regardless of who sent the letter, seek further advice.
Get professional advice from a registered accountant
Since it is not enough to ignore the letter, even if you know you are not guilty of benefit fraud, speak to a professional who can provide sound advice. You can refer to tax experts for consultation, which could be beneficial in several ways.
For one, you will be able to clear your name and prove, once and for all, that you did not commit benefit fraud. For another, you will be spared from a civil penalty imposed if you have been overpaid benefits. You would be required to pay back all overpayments, which could accumulate significantly.
You can also get advice from a local Citizens Advice Bureau to help resolve your tax problems and other issues you might be facing. Most bureaux give advice face-to-face, by phone, or by email.
Home visits can also be arranged.
If you are asked to attend an interview under caution, which means fraud investors already think you are guilty, you should seek advice from a criminal law solicitor. Or, you can get free legal advice under illegal legal aid.
If you’re accused of tax fraud – Do Not Panic!
Unless you are guilty of cheating on tax credits, you have no reason to stress or be angry. Know that the letter you got from Concentrix may not even have a solid and robust basis. According to staff, “They often don’t have enough time to review all the relevant data before making a decision. They have not been given enough training to make effective decisions” either.
Moreover, “Concentrix work on a payment by results basis”, said Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union. “They only get paid if they cut the tax-credit bill. This means they profit out of stopping payment made to people in real need”, he added.
Based on this information, you need to assert your right if you get a letter from Concentrix, or any scammer for that matter, accusing you of tax credit fraud.
Feature image sourced via wal_172619 from Pixabay