HMRC increases requests to overseas governments for assistance with enquiries

The number of requests for assistance with investigations into taxpayers from HMRC to foreign governments rose 7% from 1 025 in 2015 to 1 096 in 2016 according to Pinsent Masons. The statistics were in response to a freedom of information request by the law firm.

The number of requests has almost doubled in the past five years from 591 in 2012 as the government cracks down on suspected tax evaders who use overseas territories to conceal financial matters.

Pinsent Masons said a key driver is public pressure on HMRC to pursue those thought to be hiding income and assets offshore. This has mounted in the wake of several high-profile cases including those linked to the Panama papers.

The requests were made under direct tax instruments which allow authorities to exchange information on taxpayers. These include bilateral double taxation and tax information exchange agreements as well as...