Tax Cheats Named By HMRC For First Time

HMRC has published the names of nine individuals and businesses which it says each owe more than £25,000 in tax.

The tax authority described those named as "deliberate defaulters" who had repeatedly failed to co-operate with the taxman.

HMRC said those on the list had already received penalties for either errors in their tax returns or for failing to comply with their tax obligations.

But it stressed that the entries were specific to certain dates, and those named may no longer be defaulting on their tax.

The details published included names, addresses, occupations and the total amount of tax owed.

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, said: "HMRC is dedicated to clamping down on the small minority of people who break the law, and finding and taking action against tax cheats who try to evade their responsibilities.

"The publication of these names sends a clear signal that cheating on tax is wrong and reassures people who pay their taxes - the vast majority - that there are consequences for those who refuse to tell HMRC about their full liability.

"It also encourages defaulters to make a full and prompt disclosure and cooperate with HMRC to avoid being named."

The following were on the list:

:: Southport Leisure, a licensed bar and club on Coronation Walk, Southport

:: Joseph Tyrrell, a hairdresser from Prescot Road, Liverpool

:: The Trade Beverage Company which bought and sold wine on Marrion Drive, Cheshire

:: Rafique Maroof Raja, a licenced grocer from Main Street, Kirkcaldy

:: S Stewart, a pipework specialist from Bishops Court, Liverpool

:: David Alan Jay, who works in property maintenance from Roseberry Gardens, Essex

:: Gatemain Contractors, a building company, on Holly Road, Rochester

:: Menemis, a knitwear manufacturer trading as Unlimited Knits, on Byron Industrial Estate, Nottingham

:: Brian Clifford Tattersall, a coach operator from Pixmore Avenue. Bolton