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UK Launches Whistleblower Scheme to Combat Tax Evasion

12/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

HM Revenue & Customs launched a whistleblower reward scheme for reporting serious tax avoidance or evasion, modeled on the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Informants can earn 15–30% of recovered unpaid taxes, potentially up to £450,000 for cases over £1.5 million, while legal experts warn of retaliation.
The scheme takes effect from November 26 and aims to curb significant tax fraud costing £5.5 billion annually, with online reporting encouraged.

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Story summary

HM Revenue & Customs launched a whistleblower reward scheme for reporting serious tax avoidance or evasion, modeled on the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Informants can earn 15–30% of recovered unpaid taxes, potentially up to £450,000 for cases over £1.5 million, while legal experts warn of retaliation.
The scheme takes effect from November 26 and aims to curb significant tax fraud costing £5.5 billion annually, with online reporting encouraged.