Synopsis: HMRC has been accused of using anti-terror laws spy on suspected tax dodgers.

Official figures suggest that HMRC inspectors are increasingly using the controversial powers to monitor people who they suspect are not paying their legal share of tax.

According to a Parliamentary answer, 5,492 requests were granted to revenue officers to spy on people under the Regulatorion of Investigative Powers Act (RIPA) 2000, which was intended to help tackle terrorism and serious crimes.

The figure is an 80 per cent increase in the last four years. The figures also show that the overwhelming majority of requests to use the RIPA legislation to spy on people were granted.

Revenue inspectors are known to visit harbours and airfields to trace the owners of luxury yachts, helicopters and private aircraft to look for leads in the battle against tax evasion, which costs the economy a reported £3 billion a year.

The news came after it emerged that middle class professionals are facing an unprecedented crackdown on tax evasion by Government revenue inspectors.

Doctors and dentists are the first group being targeted by HMRC inspectors. Other professional classes such as solicitors, barristers and accountants are expected to be contacted in coming months.

Tags: tax evasion, tax planning

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