HMRC publishes latest deliberate tax defaulters list

by Aitch, posted in HMRC notices

HMRC has published an updated list of deliberate tax defaulters. The list includes individuals, businesses and companies, detailing the amounts on which penalties are due and the exact penalties charged.

The details of a tax defaulter will be held on HMRC’s website for a maximum of 12 months from the date they are first published and are not stored within the National Archives.

The current list of deliberate tax defaulters (published on 24 September 2026) includes a Northampton-based business support company with an undeclared tax bill of over £9.1m and penalties of over £4.4m, alongside a retail sales company based in Nelson with an undeclared tax bill of almost £4.7m and penalties of almost £3.3m. There were also many smaller penalties listed for local trades and businesses, such as takeaways, convenience stores, letting agents, dog breeders, and mechanics.

A deliberate defaulter is defined as a person who incurs a relevant penalty for either deliberate errors in their tax returns or deliberately failing to comply with their tax obligations.

HMRC is legally permitted to publish these details where they have carried out an investigation, the person has been charged one or more penalties for deliberate defaults, and those penalties involve tax exceeding £25,000. Taxpayers who make an unprompted disclosure, or a satisfactory fully prompted disclosure, are not affected by these publication rules.

Source:HM Revenue & Customs | 28-09-2026
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Aitch
I'm Aitch, the Founder and CEO of CIGMA Accounting Ltd. As a Chartered Management Accountant and as a CIMA member, I've spent more than 16 years helping businesses, entrepreneurs, landlords, and individuals with tax planning, accounting, and HMRC compliance. As a chartered accountant in London, I'm passionate about making complex tax matters easier to understand and helping clients make confident financial decisions. Over the years, I've advised start-ups, SMEs, established companies, and high-net-worth individuals across a wide range of tax and accounting matters. My expertise includes Corporation Tax, Self-Assessment, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax planning, R&D tax relief, capital allowances, international tax, and resolving complex HMRC compliance issues. Whether clients need a business accountant, tax accountant, or strategic tax advisor, my focus is always on delivering practical advice that creates long-term value. One of my specialist areas is Making Tax Digital (MTD). I've worked extensively with businesses preparing HMRC's digital reporting requirements, helping them move to cloud accounting, improve financial processes, and adopt technology that makes compliance more efficient. I regularly speak at Making Tax Digital roadshows, industry events, and educational sessions in collaboration with Zoho Books, sharing practical insights into digital accounting, tax legislation, and the future of the profession. Many business owners looking for the best accounting firm in London are not simply searching for an accountant they're looking for trusted advice, responsive support, and long-term value. That's the approach I've taken in building CIGMA Accounting. My team and I work closely with businesses across London and the UK, providing accounting services, tax advisory, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, company accounts, and strategic tax planning tailored to each client's goals. Through this website, I share practical guidance on UK taxation, Making Tax Digital, HMRC updates, Corporation Tax, Self-Assessment, and business finance. My aim is to provide reliable, straightforward information that helps business owners understand changing regulations, reduce compliance risks, and make informed financial decisions with confidence.
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