A client is currently under investigation from Revenue - The inspector has indicated that she has recieved information from "a third party" that he has undisclosed income/rental income. Is it posible to find out the source of this information/third party via the freedom of information act?
B Smith
Replies (2)
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Confidential informants
Why do you want to know the third party who has informed on your client? I would be loathe to request this from HMRC. Is there a reason why you have asked?
The basic tenet of a whistleblower not being able to provide anonymous disclosure of a reportable activity would create a minefield. If you are unable to provide information without threats repurcussions arising from it then this would be of little benefit to anyone.
What would your reaction be, if the client found out that their accountant was to blame, via a Money Laundering disclosure. Would this make any difference to your request?
Not much chance under that act
But you may get lucky under the Data Protection Act 1998.
See long thread about it here:
https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=182254
It is possible that they could claim exemption from disclosure, but can't hurt to try.