According to reports in the Telegraph, HMRC is deploying its “super-computer” which holds data about individuals, and not just about their income. The Connect system has been designed to identify those who may have paid too little tax, and the system is now being fully deployed for the first time. The computer harvests information that is already available in Government departments or as part of digital footprints when using the internet. The Telegraph reports that HMRC can access the following:
- Visa and Mastercard transactions; anonymised information on all payments.
- Land Registry records to determine properties purchase and stamp duty paid.
- DVLA details of cars purchased and owned by individuals.
- UK and overseas bank accounts in more than 60 countries.
- Internal tax documents such as council tax paid, VAT registration, previous tax investigations, last year’s tax return.
- Earnings from any employer, including those that you have worked for casually, and any company benefits received.
- Child benefit and maintenance payments made through the child support agency.
- Online marketplaces such as eBay and Gumtree to identify regular traders.
- Social media.
- Web browsing and email records.
Article taken from FCSA
