A self-employed quantity surveyor from Kenilworth in Warwickshire has been jailed for failing to tell the taxman that he was in business.

John Powell, aged 64, earned almost £1 million during his 20 years career as a self-employed consultant quantity surveyor; working in the civil engineering industry, mainly on new building complexes in both the UK and overseas.  But he was what the tax investigators call a “ghost”: as he had never registered with HMRC and hadn’t paid any Income Tax or National Insurance Contributions.  The tax evaded was estimated at nearly £260,000.  Instead he spent the money on property: including one in Antibes on the French Riviera.

Following a detailed tax investigation the HMRC’s Criminal Taxes Unit charged him with cheating the public revenue, contrary to common law.  Powell was sentenced today at Birmingham Crown Court, to two and a half years in prison.

What does this mean for me?
If you are worried about a potential tax prosecution or want to a make a disclosure (such as the Jersey Disclosure Opportunity) Lynam Tax Investigation experts can assist you.  We can help in: handling these difficult issues; advising you of the best course of action for you and your clients; and if necessary helping you obtain first-class legal advice.  All on a completely confidential basis.

For an initial free and discreet consultation call now:

Paul Lynam on: 0845 643 9997,

Or Andrew Nutbrown on 07718 7787