£5.5 billion lost as a result of tax evasion

An estimated £5.5 billion was lost due to tax evasion during 2022/23, according to a report published by the National Audit Office (NAO).

An estimated £5.5 billion was lost due to tax evasion during 2022/23, according to a report published by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The NAO stated that 'significant weaknesses' in government systems have left the UK 'too open' to tax evasion. According to HMRC, 81% of the tax evasion came from small businesses.

HMRC said that, while the overall level of tax evasion has stabilised in recent years, it has increased amongst small businesses. Whilst HMRC has not estimated the scale of evasion by sector, it considers takeaways and sweet shops as high-risk retailers.

The NAO said that HMRC does not have a specific strategy to clamp down on tax evasion, and instead aims to stop overall levels of non-compliance increasing.

It also said that there has been too little emphasis on some widespread forms of tax evasion, such as electronic sales suppression (ESS) and abuse of the insolvency process to avoid paying tax debts, which is known as 'phoenixism'.

Gareth Davies, Head of the NAO, said:

'Although tax evasion has been growing among small businesses, HMRC has so far lacked an effective strategic response.

'Its assessment of risks has given too little emphasis to widely used methods of evasion such as sales suppression and phoenixism. It has also failed to use new powers to tackle tax evasion.'

Internet link: NAO

Copyright

© 2025 Sheen Stickland. All rights reserved.

powered by totalSOLUTION

We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.
Quick links

Contact us | Site map | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy | Help |

Addresses:
Sheen Stickland, 2 Oriel Court, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire GU34 2YT
Sheen Stickland, The Engine House, 77 Station Road, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3FQ

Sheen Stickland is the trading name of Sheen Stickland LLP and Sheen Stickland Audit Ltd

Sheen Stickland LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership Registered in England. Number OC 313253 Reg Off: 2 Oriel Court, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2YT

Partners: David Sanders, Philip Sharpe, Paula Joyce, Sticklands Ltd

Not all the partners are members of Sheen Stickland LLP. A list of members of Sheen Stickland LLP is available from the Registered Office

Audit & related services are provided by Sheen Stickland Audit Ltd Registered in England. Number 02223334 Reg Off: 2 Oriel Court, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2YT

Sheen Stickland Audit Ltd is registered to carry on audit work in the UK & Ireland and Sheen Stickland LLP is regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales