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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2013/may/20/direct-sellers-tax-dodging-crackdown
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| HMRC targets 2,000 direct sellers as part of tax dodging crackdown | HMRC targets 2,000 direct sellers as part of tax dodging crackdown |
| (4 months later) | |
| If you're an Avon lady or Ann Summers party host and haven't been declaring that income, you could soon be on the receiving end of a home visit yourself – from tax inspectors. | If you're an Avon lady or Ann Summers party host and haven't been declaring that income, you could soon be on the receiving end of a home visit yourself – from tax inspectors. |
| HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is sending out about 2,000 letters to people it believes are involved in direct selling and who did not take advantage of its recent opportunity to pay the tax they owe. They are being given one last chance to either get in touch or face being hit with much higher penalties and, potentially, a criminal investigation. | HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is sending out about 2,000 letters to people it believes are involved in direct selling and who did not take advantage of its recent opportunity to pay the tax they owe. They are being given one last chance to either get in touch or face being hit with much higher penalties and, potentially, a criminal investigation. |
| The Revenue has not named any particular companies, but well-known examples of direct sellers include Avon representatives, Ann Summers party planners, Betterware distributors and Pampered Chef consultants. | The Revenue has not named any particular companies, but well-known examples of direct sellers include Avon representatives, Ann Summers party planners, Betterware distributors and Pampered Chef consultants. |
| In February, HMRC gave those direct sellers who had not paid all the tax they owed, one week to settle their bills "on the best terms available". It said that after the 28 February deadline it would begin contacting those who had not come forward, and is now making good on that pledge. | In February, HMRC gave those direct sellers who had not paid all the tax they owed, one week to settle their bills "on the best terms available". It said that after the 28 February deadline it would begin contacting those who had not come forward, and is now making good on that pledge. |
| The new letters state: "We know there are around 400,000 people involved in direct selling, and we believe the vast majority are paying the right amount of tax. We are currently identifying direct sellers who have not taken advantage of the campaign and will be cross-checking the commission payment information we hold with your income tax records. | The new letters state: "We know there are around 400,000 people involved in direct selling, and we believe the vast majority are paying the right amount of tax. We are currently identifying direct sellers who have not taken advantage of the campaign and will be cross-checking the commission payment information we hold with your income tax records. |
| "We have issued letters like this one to 2,000 people, and where there are discrepancies we will be identifying cases for further action, including investigation." | "We have issued letters like this one to 2,000 people, and where there are discrepancies we will be identifying cases for further action, including investigation." |
| The recipients are being invited to call the dedicated team before 7 June. | The recipients are being invited to call the dedicated team before 7 June. |
| The move is part of a wide-ranging crackdown on tax dodging that has involved HMRC in targeting everyone from eBay traders and plumbers to home tutors and market stall holders. | The move is part of a wide-ranging crackdown on tax dodging that has involved HMRC in targeting everyone from eBay traders and plumbers to home tutors and market stall holders. |
| The Revenue has previously warned that those direct sellers found to have unpaid tax liabilities may face a penalty of up to 100% of the tax due or, potentially, criminal investigation. | The Revenue has previously warned that those direct sellers found to have unpaid tax liabilities may face a penalty of up to 100% of the tax due or, potentially, criminal investigation. |
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