The tax authorities are targeting gas fitters and heating engineers in a clampdown on tradespeople failing to declare their earnings and pay tax.
Those who have tax to pay which they have not yet told HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) about can come forward by May 31 to tell the department of their intention to disclose what they owe. If they make a full disclosure, most face a low penalty rate of 10 per cent, with a maximum of 20 per cent. They have until August 31 to make their disclosure and arrange for payment to be made.
After that date, 'using information pulled together from various sources', HMRC will carry out targeted investigations aimed at those who have failed to come forward and make a full declaration. Substantial penalties or even criminal prosecution could follow.
Heating engineers can let HMRC know that they intend to make a tax disclosure online by completing a notification form at www.hmrc.gov.uk/plumberstaxsafeplan or by ringing HMRC on 0845 600 4507.
Once this disclosure window closes at the end of August, taxpayers who have not come forward but are found to have unpaid tax liabilities will face higher penalties rising to 100 per cent of the tax evaded.
If heating engineers notify HMRC before the end of May, HMRC will only go back five years on their records.