Taxman unleashes its 'super Software': But what can it really do?

HM Revenue & Customs has spent over a £100m or more on super software the system is a watered down version of what our security services have had for a long time, built by BAE Systems (Britain’s biggest defence contractor) this is a super bit of kit which is fit for purpose and given the name “Connect”.

Designed to identify those who may have paid too little tax as of yet! Without relying on information just provided by taxpayers. HMRC’s powerful “Connect” system now draws on information from a range of government and corporate sources to create a profile of each taxpayer’s total income. Where this varies from the information held on the taxpayer, the account is flagged and could be subject to further investigation.

 

Connect can deal with information spontaneously available in government departments, but the greatest element is it’s abilities to source out your digital footprint which people leave when they use the internet.
 

The Connect system crunches data from the Land Registry records, Council tax, Companies House, DWP, the electoral roll, Gas Safe Register, and Insurance companies.

It is able to reach for information on all Visa and Master-card transactions. HMRC can now get information from banks and financial organisations in British overseas territories, such as the Channel Islands, also gathers information from 60 more countries.

HMRC are one of the government bodies to gain access to this information under the laws known commonly as the “snoopers’ charter”.

The legislation means telecom providers, store customers, web browsing, and email records for the last year. Hospitals and dentists will have supplied information to assist with the Health Plans. Details of cars purchased and owned by individuals the Connect system can also look at public social media account information.

Particularly the gathering of information from social media, HMRC are now monitoring online posts which include Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

They will be collecting info on who’s trading on E-bay and Amazon which has been ongoing.

The HMRC insists that its new powers have no implications for individuals’ privacy, as it is only seeking information on business activities. Well no doubt we will have to remind them of this statement in the future.

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