HUNTINGDON chartered accountants Haines Watts have expressed concern over a new power that will allow HM Revenue and Customs to publish names of people who have underpaid tax by more than �25,000. I was intrigued by this recent announcement from the Reve

HUNTINGDON chartered accountants Haines Watts have expressed concern over a new power that will allow HM Revenue and Customs to publish names of people who have underpaid tax by more than �25,000.

"I was intrigued by this recent announcement from the Revenue," said Haines Watts's Simon Laskey. "They say that innocent errors and mistakes will be excluded, that only deliberate errors will lead to this naming and shaming, and that this is within the Human Rights legislation. I can understand the reasoning behind this change but I am also very aware that mistakes can be made. What will happen if the wrong taxpayer is named?"

It is expected to be in force from April 2010 with names unlikely to be published before the first quarter of 2011. The details published will be the taxpayers' names and addresses, their trade or profession, the amount of tax involved, interest charges and finally the period covered.

CONTACT: Simon Laskey at Haines Watts, St Clement's Passage, Huntingdon, on 01480 434609 or slaskey@hwca.com or visit www.hwca.com