So, just how big is the UK’s tax gap?
The tax gap is the difference between what the tax authority believes should be paid in tax and what is actually paid. It comprises tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax lost to the hidden economy, and companies and individuals falling to take reasonable care.
According to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the total figure is a staggering £35 billion.
As a comparison, the scale of benefit fraud – which is, of course, equally indefensible – is estimated at £1.9 billion.
More information on the tax gap here.