HMRC has issued the latest national statistics in relation to tax receipts and taxpayers. The statistics show that the expected total tax take for 2009/2010 will be £44,885m lower than for 2008/2009.

The statistics which can be accessed at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/tax_receipts/menu.htm show that declines are expected across most tax heads with Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, VAT and Stamp Duty showing the biggest drops. Fuel duties, tobacco, beer, wine and spirit duties are expected to buck the trend and remain in line with or slightly above 2008/2009 levels.