HIGHER rate taxpayers in the town who have failed to submit tax returns are being offered the opportunity to come forward and pay up under a time-limited HM Revenue and Customs campaign.

The Tax Return Initiative, launched on July 3, is aimed specifically at people liable to pay tax at rates of 40 per cent and above who have been told to submit a self assessment tax return for 2009/10 or earlier, but have not done so.

The campaign is also available to any individual who has tax returns to submit to HMRC for these years.

Every year, around 92,000 people across Swindon and Wiltshire are required to file a self assessment return.

People have until October 2 to tell HMRC they want to take part, submit completed returns, and pay the tax and National Insurance Contributions that they owe. By coming forward voluntarily through the campaign, customers will receive better terms, and any penalty they pay will be lower than if HMRC comes to them first.

After October 2,HMRC will use its powers to pursue outstanding returns and any unpaid tax and NICs.

Penalties of up to 100 per cent of the tax due or even criminal investigation could follow.