Tax cheats in London’s construction industry are being targeted as part of the next wave of taskforces is launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The aim is to recover £3million of unpaid taxes from builders.

Taskforces are specialist teams that undertake intensive bursts of activity in specific high-risk trade sectors and locations in the UK. The teams visit firms to examine their records and carry out investigations.

David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to support hardworking people who want to get on, but the people being targeted by these taskforces have no intention of playing by the rules. This Government has made it clear that we will not tolerate tax evasion and we have provided HMRC with the resources to crack down on those who break the rules.”

HMRC has collected more than £90million as a result of taskforces launched since 2011. It expects to bring in at least £90million a year from taskforces launched over the next three years.

HMRC’s Jennie Granger, Director General of Enforcement & Compliance, said: “HMRC taskforces are deployed in sectors and areas where we've detected a high risk of tax evasion. If you have declared all your income, you have nothing to worry about. But if you haven't, we will find you, investigate you and not only could you face a heavy fine but a criminal prosecution as well.”

If you know anyone who is evading their taxes, you can tell HMRC by calling the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.

HMRC is currently running the second stage of its evasion publicity campaign through a series of targeted advertisements, including radio advertising and billboards in public areas.

HMRC is closing in on undeclared income.