Following on from the newly launched disclosure opportunity for landlords, HMRC have launched a further new disclosure opportunity targeting those working in the health and well-being profession.

This new opportunity opened on 7 October and is available to anyone working in that profession carrying out services such as:

• physical therapy – e.g. physiotherapist, chiropractor, chiropodist, osteopath, occupational therapist
• alternative medicine or therapy – e.g. homeopathy, acupuncture, nutritional therapy, reflexology, nutrition
• other therapy – e.g. psychology, speech therapy, arts therapy

To participate in this opportunity, notification forms must be submitted by 31 December 2013 with disclosure forms and the unpaid tax, interest and penalties to reach HMRC by 6 April 2014.

Using its legal powers HMRC obtains information about payments made to the health and wellbeing professions from various sources. After this opportunity closes it is clear that HMRC will use this data to identify those in this sector who have not paid what they owe. For those that fail to come forward, higher penalties – or even criminal prosecution – could follow. By coming forward voluntarily, lower penalties may be possible.

Not only will those who come forward have the opportunity to earn the maximum reduction of any relevant penalties for the quality of disclosure, HMRC also won't publish details of the default if, in addition to meeting the deadlines above, the person cooperates fully with HMRC if additional information is required.

More information is available on the HMRC website.