28/02/2006

Campaign targets tax cheats

The first ever TV campaign targeting tax dodgers will be launched tomorrow by HM Revenue & Customs.

The advertisement, which will feature prominently on commercial television stations, features a workman in a pub, bragging about not paying tax, shoddy workmanship and never giving his customers receipts.

The ad will urge the public to contact a confidential hotline if they suspect that someone is not paying their taxes.

The television campaign follows radio and press advertisements, which HMRC said had led to a "huge increase" in the number of people contacting them.

HMRC Chairman Sir David Varney said: "By far the majority of people are honest taxpayers, but there is a minority out there who refuse to pay their way. People who don't pay affect us all and turning a blind eye only reinforces their behaviour.

"Honest members of the public are clearly concerned about people who evade paying their taxes and now that we have a dedicated hotline number, it's easy for people to call us and we'll do something about it."

The HMRC Direct Taxes Hotline is open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm on; 0800 788 887.

(KMcA/GB)

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