Over 91,000 fraud allegations made to HMRC’s helpline during Covid-19

Around 91,000 fraud allegations were made to HMRC’s fraud hotline during the first nine months of the pandemic, according to the tax body.

This is believed to have arisen over concerns regarding furlough fraud, which drove many allegations to HMRC.

Kevin Igoe, managing director at PfP, said: “With so many fraud allegations being made to HMRC during the Covid-19 crisis, there is no doubt that many of them will end up being false.

“Whilst those cheating the tax system should be held to account, heightened tax investigations are the last thing that decent, law-abiding businesses need at the moment.”

He added: “Months of lockdown restrictions have already put many businesses under huge pressure. HMRC investigations can be costly, time-consuming and can cause enormous stress for the owner-managers and directors involved.

“HMRC will be looking to up the pressure on businesses in order to recoup as much tax revenue as possible in the coming months. It is therefore now more important than ever that businesses have cover in place to ensure they get the advice and support they need if an investigation is launched.”