Number of fines for deliberate errors rose 19% in 2016-17.
The number of penalties HMRC imposed on taxpayers for deliberate errors in tax returns rose to 34,100 last year, up 19% from 28,700 in 2015-16, according to data provided by the Revenue to tax support and insurance provider PfP.
The penalties levied in 2016-17 for deliberate behaviour without concealment rose to 29,900, up 19% from 2015-16; those for deliberate behaviour with concealment rose to 4,200 from 3,400.
Kevin Igoe, managing director at PfP, said: ‘It is difficult to reconcile this increase with HMRC’s stated policy that the objective of raising penalties is not to collect extra cash but to encourage good behaviour in the future.’
