TAX cheats in Cambridgeshire will face up to five years’ detailed scrutiny from the taxman.

Letters will begin landing on the doorsteps of 900 tax cheats across the UK telling known evaders that they are now under increased levels of personal scrutiny as part of the new Managing Deliberate Defaulters (MDD) programme.

MDD will closely monitor the tax affairs of individuals and businesses who have deliberately evaded tax to ensure that they are meeting their tax obligations and have demonstrated a permanent change in their behaviour.

David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “MDD will deter people from evading tax in the future and reassure honest taxpayers that tax evaders will be dealt with.

“This government has made it clear that we will not tolerate people who refuse to pay their fair share and HMRC (Revenues & Customs) will pursue those who bend or break the rules.”

Steve Hickman from HMRC, said: “Tax cheats check-ups will involve continued and close scrutiny - it is a real deterrent.

“If you are thinking about breaking the rules just remember, you could end up with HMRC on your back for five years. We have worked closely with the accountant community to develop this programme and their help has been invaluable in getting the detail right.”

The level and term of monitoring will depend on the seriousness of the offence committed but it is not believed that anyone will be released from the programme within two years.

HMRC will continue to check that returns are filed on time and that any tax that is due is paid on time. They may also make announced or unannounced inspection visits, ask to see certain records and cross-check details in back accounts.