Nottingham Based Beautician Sentenced For Tax Fraud

After cheating the taxpayer out of over £30,000, a Nottinghamshire beautician has been sentenced due to lying about her personal circumstances and income. 30 year old mother of one, Rebecca Eddishaw, failed to inform HM Revenue & Customs that she was receiving two incomes from renting out two separate properties when claiming tax credits.

Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, Stuart Taylor stated: " Eddishaw knowingly carried out this fraud for four years. She purposefully left out her extra income so that she would receive higher tax credits payments, while also failing to pay tax on the rent money she received. 

HMRC recognises it is only a minority that are exploiting the system, but we would encourage anyone with information relating to tax credit fraud to call 0800 854 400."

Over a four year period, 2009-2013, Eddishaw failed to declare her property earnings; averting paying more than £13,797 in tax and receiving a higher rate of tax credit, meaning she was overpaid by nearly £16,941.

At Nottingham Magistrates Court, 9th June, Rebecca Eddishaw was charged for three offences:

'Knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of income tax by failing to declare rental income in tax returns to HMRC.'

'Knowingly concerned in fraudulent activity undertaken with a view to obtain payment of Tax Credit by failing to declare rental income.'

'Knowingly concerned in fraudulent activity undertaken with a view to obtain payment of Tax Credit by failing to declare a change in circumstances.'

At the Plea and Case Management Hearing on 6th October, Eddishaw pleaded guilty to all three charges, and on 9th December received an 18 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and has been ordered to fulfill 150 hours of unpaid work.