HMRC is using Facebook to pursue non-payers
The Telegraph’s Kate Palmer reports on the use of HMRC’s new Connect tool to identify those who may owe tax through assessing information on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. “If you’ve paid a suspiciously low amount of tax, HMRC will know full well if you are lying if the evidence is splashed all over Facebook,” said Richard Morley of BDO. The Revenue is also using social media itself to shame those who underpay by £25,000 or more. Meanwhile, the FCA is examining whether insurance companies are using Facebook and Twitter to unfairly increase premiums. The paper points out that insurers are also detecting false claims thanks to online tracking.
