The figure of £17bn is based on an estimated £12.95bn from accidental or careless evasion and £4.89bn through deliberate evasion.
"Each year £17.84bn of tax, interest and penalties becomes uncollectable due to statutory time limits as a result of HMRC putting off the launch of a general tax amnesty that would potentially allow tens of thousands of people to regularise their tax affairs and rejoin the taxpaying community", the report stated.
A survey of accountants by Crowe Clark Whitehill earlier this year showed an overwhelming majority (96%) felt HMRC should launch a general tax disclosure mechanism.
Around 85% of accountants agreed that if a general tax amnesty were offered as a final opportunity to come forward, it would actively encourage disclosure.
