More than 1,000 doctors and dentists targeted by HMRC over tax evasion On Thursday night, it emerged that inquiries are ongoing in at least 1,000 cases in "civil investigations" based on intelligence gathered by tax officials. A tax official told The Daily Telegraph: "We are using the information to ask a number of people directly whether they should make a disclosure and have been clear about potential action HMRC can take. Following this, many have quickly decided voluntary cooperation is preferable. Some of the money recouped by the Treasury has come after medical staff voluntarily came forward with details of their tax affairs. But it was said that criminal inquiries could be launched in 700 cases involving about £3.1 million. The cases are linked with tax evasion, which is illegal. An HMRC document, discloses that "criminal investigations are currently under consideration" in these cases. In a separate case, The Times reported that more than 160 dentists have invested money into legal investment schemes now suspected of tax avoidance. Last night Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, criticised the disclosures on the day that thousands of doctors took industrial action over pension reforms. "I think the public would be as dismayed to hear some doctors are evading tax as they were to learn they had appointments cancelled yesterday because doctors don't think a £43,000-a-year pension is enough," Mr Alexander told the Times. According to the latest figures an average dentist's salary is £128,000 for those employed both privately and in the NHS with more than 300 earn more than £300,000 annually. An HMRC spokesman said: "HMRC campaigns ensure that those that have not paid tax - intentionally or otherwise - can come forward, pay what is due, and get their tax affairs are on the correct footing for the future."