By Gareth Iacobucci
GPs and other medical professionals have been warned they have until the end of March to declare previously undeclared income, or face investigation for tax evasion as part of a targeted operation by HM Revenue and Customs.
GPs are being focused on alongside consultants, cosmetic surgeons and dentists as part of an unprecedented crackdown by HMRC to target professional groups who may be earning extra untaxed income from private work.
Medical professionals have until 31 March to disclose any previously undeclared income and pay any outstanding tax, plus an additional 10% fine - but they will be spared any criminal investigation provided they pay the full amount by 30 June.
After that date HMRC ‘will carry out targeted investigations aimed at medical professionals who have not come forward.'
'Substantial penalties or even criminal prosecution could follow for those who have undeclared tax liabilities,' a statement warned.
Mike Wells, HMRC's director of risk and intelligence, said: ‘From April we will be using the information at our disposal to investigate medical professionals who have not declared their full income.
‘I therefore strongly urge any in this group who think they may have outstanding tax liabilities on their income to get in touch with HMRC and get their tax affairs in order simply and on the best available terms.'
GPs are to be targeted as part of a clampdown on unpaid tax relating to private medical work GPs are to be targeted as part of a clampdown on unpaid tax relating to private medical work
