HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has disclosed the names of over 150 businesses and individuals across the country who have failed to meet their tax requirements. The list, published on 25 June, includes 43 businesses in London that deliberately avoided tax, amounting to a total of £4.8 million in penalties.
Businesses Named Across the UK
The list includes businesses from Scotland and other regions, covering a range of high street establishments such as convenience stores, electronic cigarette retailers, and other shops. Some businesses face penalties exceeding £500,000.
S&B Expo Ltd, a wholesaling company from Manchester, incurred one of the largest penalties at £801,428. Muirhead Farm in East Ayrshire was charged £139,042, one of the highest Scottish penalties.
HMRC's Stance on Tax Evasion
Kevin Hubbard, director of small business and individuals at HMRC, stated: "Too many high streets have businesses that are undercutting their honest neighbours by failing to pay the tax they owe. That is unfair to compliant businesses and to the communities they serve, and we are determined to tackle it." He added: "Among those named are takeaways, convenience stores and other high street businesses from across the UK — a reminder that HMRC's work to tackle non-compliance reaches into every part of the country."
Enforcement and Future Actions
The list does not include criminal tax offences but only civil penalties. HMRC plans to undertake more than 30,000 interventions in UK high street businesses to combat criminal activity. Company directors who avoid tax by closing one business and opening another will also be targeted. The names of those identified will remain public for 12 months, marking the Government's latest step in tackling tax evasion.
