This new phone number will replace the two separate tax evasion and customs hotlines, streamlining HMRC’s intelligence gathering on tax
fraud. In the last financial year HMRC received over 113,000 reports from members of the public providing information on suspected tax and UK excise duty evasion.
People will be able to report all kinds of tax fraud and evasion on the new hotline, including PAYE and National Insurance fraud, undisclosed offshore investments, non-payment of the National Minimum Wage, tax credit fraud, failure to pay UK duty, tax evasion and VAT fraud.
HMRC uses information provided by the public to try to close the tax gap and deter companies from committing tax fraud. Having just one phone number rather than two should make the reporting process simpler and more accessible. HMRC is keen to encourage the public to continue to work with them and report any suspected fraud or evasion to them for investigation.
The HMRC Fraud Hotline phone number is 0800 788 887 and it is open between 8am – 8pm seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can also report online using the digital form available on GOV.UK.
