The personal cost

When someone uses a tax avoidance scheme, they take on all of the risk. That is because each of us is responsible under UK law for paying the correct amount of tax. That even applies if you have appointed someone else to deal with your affairs or if you are given bad advice.

If you are caught using a tax avoidance scheme, you’ll have to pay the tax that is legally due, plus interest, and you may have to pay a penalty. That is on top of any fees that you’ve paid the person who sold you the scheme.

You might think tax avoidance is difficult to spot or that you need to be a real expert. It is actually fairly straightforward. HMRC is here to help you spot the warning signs.

Stop, challenge, protect

If something looks too good to be true, then it almost certainly is.

If you are worried about becoming involved in tax avoidance, or are using an avoidance scheme and want to get out but do not know how, we are here to help you.

Stop

Stop, and take your time

Don’t sign anything that you are uncomfortable with or don’t understand. People selling avoidance won’t always explain how it actually works. Ask them to explain it clearly so you know what you are signing and what it means.

If you’re unsure, seek independent professional advice.

Challenge

Challenge what you're being told

Check for warning signs:

  • Is the contract incredibly complicated?
  • Are they claiming you’ll take home more money than you would have expected?
  • Will you get a cash bonus if you recommend a friend?
Protect

Protect yourself and others

If you think you have been offered a tax avoidance scheme, report it to HMRC. Or if you need help getting out of one, contact us.

Personal stories

Some contractors who were caught up in tax avoidance schemes have asked us to share their stories as a warning to others. They were promised higher take-home pay, lower tax bills and less paperwork. Instead, it cost them time, money and stress.

In this context, a ‘contractor’ is someone who provides services to clients that do not directly engage them. This may be through an umbrella company, an agency, a partnership or their own company, such as a Personal Service Company. This applies to employed and self-employed individuals. Read more about contractors on GOV.UK.

Report a suspicious scheme

We are here to help you if you are worried about becoming involved in tax avoidance or want to get out of a scheme. You can contact us if you have been:

  • offered a tax avoidance scheme
  • you are aware of one
  • you want to let us know about someone selling avoidance schemes

 

Report a suspicious scheme to HMRC

You can do it anonymously if you prefer – you do not have to give your name, address or email address. Please make sure you enter the words ‘Contractor campaign’ in the ‘Other information’ section.

You can also phone HMRC on 0800 788 887 – if you’re outside the UK call +44 (0)203 0800871.

If you think you are already involved in a tax avoidance scheme you should contact us as quickly as possible. We’ll help you get out of it and help you settle your tax affairs. The longer you leave it the bigger the tax bill.

Our job is to help get you back on the right track. We won’t be judgemental and if you can’t afford to pay everything in one go, we may be able to offer you an instalment arrangement.

Email us at exitsteam.counteravoidance@hmrc.gov.uk.

For further information read Tax avoidance: getting out of an avoidance scheme.

Further information

HMRC has published several resources and guidance on tax avoidance:

 

Tell us what you think

We want to hear your views about the information on this page, and on GOV.UK, so we can improve the quality and relevance of the information we provide in future.

This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous - you will not be asked to provide any personal information that will identify you.

Complete our quick survey