A lawyer has revealed HMRC are now paying the public to “snitch on tax dodgers” – something she claims could prove “lucrative” if you want get involved.

Belle, who offers legal advice on TikTok, says the “payouts can be massive”. She explained: “In March this year, the government officially announced a new whistle-blower reward scheme and that’s going to help crack down on serious tax fraud and evasion.”

Detailing the change, Belle revealed that in 2023, HMRC paid out almost £1 million – but that was “completely discretionary with no set rules”. That process has now been scrapped, however, as she continued: “HMRC is building a structured percentage-based reward scheme – like the one used in America and Canada. That means if your tip leads to tax being recovered, you could get a cut, which could be up to 25%.”

According to Belle, HMRC plans to “target big corporations and wealthy individuals offshore”, as well as “dodgy avoidance” schemes, meaning there’s potential to make yourself a significant sum. “The goal is to tackle serious non-compliance and whistle-blowers are now part of the plan,” she emphasised.

Belle closed by reminding any interested party to be sure they’re not breaching any employment contract or confidentiality agreement by signing up. “While whistle-blowing can sometimes protect you, make sure you follow the correct procedure at all times,” she said.

Belle reiterated: “Even if you’re doing the right thing, you need to do it the right way. Still, for the first time in the UK, there could be serious money on the table for exposing tax fraud.”

Pleased to learn of the scheme, one TikTok user responded: “I pay my fair share of tax why is ok for tradesmen to dodge it. So often they only accept cash… I wonder why.” A second added: “Hell, I’m going to start keeping them eyes open.” Whilst a third person claimed: “I’ve already made £400 reporting people on OnlyFans.”

Others were sceptical about the scheme, however, alleging it would target the poor and create a “lack of trust” culture. “They say it’s designed to target the rich, but it’s going to be aimed at us on the lower end,” one TikTok user said.

Another commented: “So we are going to encourage snitching now… society going down hill to make elites more elite. Don’t fall for it.” A third asked: “Why don’t they go after the real tax invaders instead of the average Joe trying to make a living?”

Whilst a fourth slammed: “Disgusting. The USSR had similar initiatives. All it did was foster a dismal, untrustworthy culture, where everyone was constantly paranoid and averse to helping others.”

With regards to the scheme, the government provides a form and advises online: “It helps if you share your name, location and contact details. HMRC can then contact you if they need more information.

“You do not have to give your personal details. Any information you do give will be kept private and confidential. Do not send supporting information. You can tell HMRC if you have any when you make your report. If you’ve given your contact details, they’ll ask for more information if they need it.

“For your own safety, you should not try to find out more or let anyone know you’re making a report.”