The ‘tax gap’ refers to the difference between the amount of tax that should be collected each year in theory, and what is actually collected.
Figures released today showed the Treasury missed 7.9% of liabilities, or £35bn, in 2009/10, although this was down slightly from 8.1% in 2008/9.
HMRC said the figures were at the lower end of countries which publish their tax gaps.
Exchequer secretary, David Gauke MP, said although the figures showed an improvement, “there was no room for complacency”.
“Just in the last few weeks we have challenged offshore tax evaders, closed tax avoidance loopholes and created a new HMRC unit to ensure that the wealthier members of society pay their way” he added.
“We will continue to take action to prevent a minority of rule breakers dodging their responsibility to pay the right tax at the right time.”
