The buy-to-let taskforce will specifically target tax evasion among buy-to-let landlords who own or rent out more than three properties.
HMRC taskforces form part of the government’s aim to raise an additional £7bn a year by 2014/15 through tackling tax evasion, avoidance and fraud.
The taskforces bring together HMRC compliance and enforcement teams for intensive bursts of activity targeting trade sectors and regions that it deems at high risk of tax evasion.
HMRC has plans for 12 taskforces in 2011/12, with more to follow in 2012/13.
Targets also include self-employed construction traders in the North West and North Wales and taxpayers not submitting returns for corporation tax, income tax self-assessment, PAYE and VAT in the South East.
Mike Wells, director of risk and intelligence at HMRC, said: “These taskforces will come down hard and fast on those who have chosen to break the rules and deliberately evade the taxes they should be paying.
“Honest businesses, however, have absolutely nothing to worry about.
“HMRC is clear – if you deliberately seek to evade tax we can and will track you down and you’ll face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.”
