HM Revenue and Customs
Organization GovernmentHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC): UK tax authority facing scrutiny over fraud schemes, tax avoidance, and service delays.
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About
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the UK's tax authority, responsible for collecting taxes and administering various state benefits. Recent news highlights several challenges and controversies surrounding HMRC. An inquiry has been launched into an anti-fraud scheme that wrongly cut child benefits, based on flawed Home Office data. HMRC also faces criticism for lengthy delays in processing tax rebates, leaving some individuals waiting over a year for refunds. Wealthy UK nationals are reportedly avoiding returning to the UK to avoid potential tax demands. Furthermore, HMRC is grappling with tax avoidance schemes, including 'phoenixism' where companies avoid paying owed taxes through insolvency. HMRC is also reminding individuals earning extra income from Christmas side-hustles about their tax obligations. These issues raise concerns about HMRC's effectiveness, fairness, and its impact on both individuals and the UK's public finances.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Recent Coverage
Inquiry launched into HMRC anti-fraud scheme that wrongly cut child benefits
Wealthy British nationals fleeing Gulf conflict bypass UK to avoid tax bills
UK recruiter emerges from insolvency for third time, avoiding millions owed in tax
Pension annuity sales hit record as average pot exceeds £80,000
‘If someone had pulled the trigger’: MPs rue lack of challenger to oust Starmer
HMRC taking more than a year to pay out tax rebates
HMRC accepted ‘tolerable’ risk of harm in child benefit fraud crackdown
Former Yodel owner probably forged mother’s signature in takeover bid, judge rules
