Tutors and coaches urged to disclose unpaid tax
Wednesday, 14 December 2011 10:47
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to individuals wishing to take part in its new Tax Catch Up Plan.
Private tutors and coaches have until 6 January 2012 to disclose details of any unpaid tax as part of the Government's latest campaign to tackle what it sees as tax avoidance.
Earlier this year, HMRC announced its intention to scrutinise the tax affairs of private tutors and coaches who are able to earn either a main or secondary income from their expertise.
The campaign covers people providing private lessons, regardless of whether they have a teaching qualification, and could include, for example, fitness/dance/ lifestyle coaches through to national curriculum subject tutors and others.
The Tax Catch Up Plan has two stages: by 6 January 2012, tutors/coaches/instructors must register with HMRC to 'notify' that they plan to make a voluntary tax disclosureby 31 March 2012, those who have registered to notify must tell HMRC what they owe and pay the tax, interest and penalties due.
Commenting, Marian Wilson, Head of HMRC Campaigns, said: 'Tutors and coaches who have notified us of their intention to disclose unpaid tax will have until 31 March to tell us what they owe and make arrangements to pay.
'From January we will use the information at our disposal to investigate tutors and coaches who have not declared their full income. I therefore strongly urge anyone in this group who thinks they may have outstanding income tax liabilities to get in touch with HMRC and get their tax affairs in order.
'This is the first step for those with undisclosed income or gains to avoid a full tax investigation and much higher penalties. Contact us before we contact you.'