Wednesday 4th May 2011 - Published by Kelly Jackson - Communications Executive
PUT FLEET SPECIALIST IN THE DRIVING SEAT AND STEER CLEAR OF THE TAXMAN
UK businesses that fail to manage their commercial fleet records properly, were today warned they risk being hit by fines totaling more than £2 million pounds this year.
New findings from The Miles Consultancy – released on the back of Chamber of Commerce meetings where this issue was reported – reveal that Revenue &
Customs (HMRC) officials will take a hard line where they uncover irregularities in companies’ fuel and mileage payments.
Derby-based vehicle leasing company Fleet Evolution said that errors, such as the failure to report private fuel funding, and not declaring the use of a light commercial vehicle (LCV) privately, could turn out to be significant, getting fined is something which is totally avoidable.
Andrew Leech, Fleet Evolution Managing Director, wants to warn firms that they could also break the law by rounding-up work-related mileage figures, keeping incorrect records, claiming “commuting-to-work” mileage or reimbursing staff above the statutory mileage AMAP rates, without applying tax.
“These findings are a wake-up call. This is sure to be the tip of the iceberg in terms of fines from HMRC. Investigations will only become more common as more anomalies are unearthed,” said Mr Leech.
Mr Leech believes his company has the technology to help people avoid these pitfalls:
“For our customers, we provide a number of safeguards, to ensure that they never need fear an audit or a visit (from HMRC), from policy guidance to the management of mileage claims and full reporting on vehicle benefits.”
Fleet Evolution, whose services include sourcing vehicles, fleet management, risk management and driver training, is able to help its customers to feel confident and sleep easily.
“We manage the whole process for our customers, so that the right vehicle is chosen on day one. The driver is made aware of what he or she needs to tell HMRC, and the company has all the information it needs to ensure their records are 100% correct,” said Mr Leech.
UK Business set for £2 million plus fines for fuel and mileage errors - a pr2go story
