MEASURE TO MINIMISE TAX EVASION

That this House calls on HM Revenue and Customs to amend the standard income tax form to include a question box on whether the person completing it has control of a foreign bank account so that if the box were ticked, the location of the account would have to be disclosed and the amount held; believes such a declaration under the penalty of perjury would obviate the complex and one-sided negotiations with the tax authorities over the purpose of the account and any settlement; notes that comparatively few people are prepared to commit perjury; further notes that such a question is already included in US tax forms; and further calls on the Government to ensure that this change is made forthwith, which can only help to minimise tax evasion.