Taxation logo taxation mission text

Since 1927 the leading authority on tax law, practice and administration

Trader tip-off

02 May 2007
Issue: 4106 / Categories: Forum & Feedback

I have prepared final accounts for a client who ceased trading in August 2006. The client was VAT registered and the balance of VAT shown as payable at cessation is about £6,000. The client has not paid this over to HMRC and indicates to me that he has no intention of doing so. To me this is clearly wrong, but what do I do about it?

I have prepared final accounts for a client who ceased trading in August 2006. The client was VAT registered and the balance of VAT shown as payable at cessation is about £6 000. The client has not paid this over to HMRC and indicates to me that he has no intention of doing so. To me this is clearly wrong but what do I do about it?
Do I tip off HMRC? I would hardly feel very professional representing the client in the VAT enquiry which follows knowing that I 'blew the whistle' but am unable to inform him. The client will have a jolly good idea where the 'tip off' came from which I shall be unable to confirm or deny. Where is the integrity to my client?
Alternatively do I tip off the client before telling HMRC and risk imprisonment?
The fairest and...

If you or your firm subscribes to Taxation.co.uk, please click the login box below:

If you are not a subscriber but are a registered user or have a free trial, please enter your details in the following boxes:

Alternatively, you can register free of charge to read a limited amount of subscriber content per month.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email directing you back to read this item in full.

Please reach out to customer services at +44 (0) 330 161 1234 or 'customer.services@lexisnexis.co.uk' for further assistance.

back to top icon