‘Adult’ club owners and staff in tax drive

UK-wide taskforce launched today by the taxman

The rise of the internet has caused a drastic increase in online escort agencies and HM Revenue and Customs estimated in 2010 that the adult entertainment industry could be worth up to £5bn.

For the first time in this sector, the taskforce will target the traders and entertainers, some of whom earn thousands of pounds a day, working in this industry. Those who continue to operate in the hidden economy and not register with HMRC for VAT, Income Tax and PAYE are being targeted.

Jim Stevenson, Head of HMRC Taskforces, said: “Large numbers of people working in this industry are paying the tax they owe and they don’t have anything to worry about.

“The people being targeted by this taskforce have no intention of playing by the rules, and we won’t tolerate this.

“No industry is safe where tax evasion is concerned – we won’t stop tracking people down and taking back what they owe.”

More than 140 taskforces have been launched since 2011 collecting more than £404m that goes towards funding vital public services. This includes £109m brought in during the first six months of this financial year.

If you know someone who is dodging tax you can call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.