Transactions linked to VAT fraud

HMRC has released an updated list of VAT traders who have been penalised for participating in transactions linked to VAT fraud. The new list was published on 28 November 2024 and the lists first published on 24 November 2022 and 26 September 2022 have been removed.

The list can include:

• the names of traders who have been charged a penalty in respect of a transaction connected with VAT fraud; and
• the names of company officers who are personally liable to pay a company’s penalty.

This list of deliberate tax defaulters includes both limited companies and company officers charged with penalties. The legal basis for HMRC to publish these details is found in Section 69E of the Value Added Tax Act 1994. HMRC is allowed to publish a trader’s name if the VAT involved in their transactions exceeds £50,000, and a company officer’s name if their personal liability for the penalty exceeds £25,000.

Under this law, information related to VAT fraud can only remain on HMRC’s website for up to 36 months from when the penalty becomes final. If multiple penalties are involved, the details are removed no later than 36 months after the most recent penalty becomes final.