Tradesmen with plumbing course qualifications have had the recent tax amnesty explained by an expert.

Adrian Huston, former tax inspector and current director of accountancy firm Huston & Co, described in the Belfast Telegraph how "disclosure opportunities" have been created for various groups in recent years, including one targeted at medics.

He explained that the current scheme for engineers with plumbing course qualifications allows anyone who has not paid sufficient tax in the past 20 years to pay a reduced penalty for their indiscretions.

Mr Huston noted that a penalty of between ten and 20 per cent of the tax owed - plus interest - will be charged, whereas if technicians continue to keep quiet they could face a bill of up to 100 per cent in addition to the tax they have not paid.

"Ever heard of a plumber who wanted [to be] paid in cash? ... So has the tax-man. And he's about to come knocking," the finance expert remarked.

HM Revenue & Customs describes the scheme as a "fresh start" for professionals in the industry.

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