Solicitors in Bristol are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to bring their tax affairs up to date or face tougher penalties.
A new UK-wide tax scheme, the Solicitors’ Tax Campaign, is the latest voluntary disclosure opportunity from HMRC that gives specific groups of taxpayers the chance to get their tax affairs in order on the best terms available.
Previous campaigns have targeted health and medical professionals, plumbers, tutors and coaches, electricians, online traders and landlords. The approach has so far raised almost £1bn from voluntary disclosures and follow-up activity by HMRC. 
Solicitors have until March 9 next year to tell HMRC that they would like to take part in the campaign, and until June 9 to disclose the tax they owe and pay it. By using this campaign to come forward voluntarily, any penalties they might have to pay will be lower than if HMRC has to approach them first.
HMRC head of campaigns Caroline Addison said: “Information gathered by HMRC has allowed us to identify solicitors who thought they could operate without declaring income and paying the taxes that others have to pay.”
Any solicitor who had not declared all of their income, needed to put their tax affairs in order."
“Take this chance to come forward and put things right in a straightforward way and on the best possible terms. It will be easier and cheaper for you to come to us than for us to come to you,” she said.
“Those who make a deliberate decision not to pay the taxes due could face a penalty of 100% or more of the tax due, or even a criminal prosecution.”
Solicitors can take part in the campaign by:
* Telling HMRC they want to take part in the campaign by March 9, 2015
* Disclosing details and paying what they owe by June 9, 2015
For more details, solicitors can phone a dedicated helpline on 0300 013 4749 or visit www.gov.uk/solicitors-tax-campaign online.
