SOLICITORS are the latest group of professionals to be targeted by the tax man, say Bradford-based accountants Watson Buckle.

HM Revenue & Customs is looking at more professions in a drive against non-payment. Tax officials have already hit dentists, doctors and landlords since 2007 and raised £600 million tax.

If non-payment of tax is due to a mistake, culprits will only pay for a maximum six years, no matter how far behind they are. For non disclosure of key information HMRC has power to go back 20 years and conduct a criminal investigation.

Chris Padgett, a director at Watson Buckle, said: “Not only solicitors, but anybody who is in doubt about their tax affairs should seek advice. Establishing a dialogue with authorities is always looked on far more favourably by HMRC than individuals that take no action and bury their head in the sand.”