HMRC to begin taking money from bank accounts in bid to close 47bn tax gap

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"HMRC has confirmed that it will begin taking money directly from bank accounts in the government's latest bid to crackdown on unpaid tax. The tax authority says it is rolling out use of the Direct Recovery of Debts' powers, which require banks and building societies to pay directly from the accounts when requested. This will only affected the minority, it claims, used only for businesses and individuals who can afford to pay what they owe but are choosing not to."

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The Independent sends journalists to cover topics from reproductive rights to climate change and Big Tech, producing investigations and documentaries and emphasizing fact-based reporting. The outlet remains accessible without paywalls and relies on donations to fund on-the-ground journalism and to present multiple perspectives across the political spectrum. HMRC will begin using Direct Recovery of Debts powers to take money directly from bank accounts as part of a crackdown on unpaid tax, with orders able to target banks, building societies and ISA providers. Official statistics estimate a 5.3 percent tax gap, equating to 46.8bn in 2023/24, and new measures aim to reduce that shortfall.

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