HMRC has publicly identified 43 London businesses and individuals who collectively face £4.8 million in penalties for failing to pay at least £25,000 in taxes. The list includes high street takeaways, convenience stores, and vape shops across the capital.
Widespread non-compliance on London's high streets
The businesses were penalized after HMRC investigations revealed they not only underpaid taxes but also failed to make full disclosures when inquiries began. The UK-wide action named over 150 entities, with London accounting for a significant portion.
Kevin Hubbard, HMRC's Director of Small Business and Individuals, stated: "Too many high streets have businesses that are undercutting their honest neighbours by failing to pay the tax they owe. That is unfair to compliant businesses and to the communities they serve, and we are determined to tackle it."
HMRC's enforcement plans
HMRC plans to conduct over 30,000 interventions in 2026-27 to combat tax fraud and criminal activity on high streets. This includes deploying more staff to high street premises and targeting rogue directors who repeatedly shut businesses and reopen elsewhere.
The list serves as a reminder that HMRC's efforts to enforce tax compliance extend across all parts of the country, including London's diverse retail landscape.
