HM Revenue and Customs is stepping up its fight against tax fraud and illegal activity on the high street, with more than 30,000 enforcement interventions planned this year.
The tax authority is also urging the public to report businesses they suspect of breaking the law, such as vape stores and barbers.
To enable this, HMRC has improved its Report Tax Fraud service to make it easier for people to provide information about “suspicious activity”.
Now, people using the service will be asked for factual details about what they have seen, including locations, timings and behaviour that could be linked to tax fraud, money laundering or other criminal activity.
Related Story
Reports can be made anonymously, with HMRC adding that the information will help its enforcement teams identify patterns and decide where to focus their investigations.
“Too many high streets have been blighted by dodgy shops that harm local communities and undercuts honest businesses,” said Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey.
“If you see something that doesn’t look right, like suspected tax fraud or money laundering, use HMRC’s fraud reporting service and help protect our high streets.”
The crackdown comes after HMRC announced in June that it would carry out more than 30,000 interventions during 2026-27.
The work will target criminal networks involved in tax fraud, labour exploitation and the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.
The new initiative also follows the government launching a High Street Organised Crime Unit in May, backed by £30 million of funding. The unit brings together HMRC with other government departments, Trading Standards, police and the National Crime Agency.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
