HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is now over one year old following the merger of the old Inland Revenue and Customs & Excise.

As a present to themselves they have issued proposals to to increase their powers of arrest and search.

It has long been the case that Customs investigators had tough investigatory and arrest powers but the Revenue didn't. It's said that the Revenue would knock on your door whilst Customs would just knock the door down! Since the merger there have been claims that Revenue officials have already become more aggressive.

There are concerns that HMRC may use the new powers may be used to intimidate and shock taxpayers, although they have said there will be safeguards to protect taxpayers.

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