REGARDING the warning by the North West Society of Chartered Accountants that small traders face a tax purge (LET, August 17), being self employed in a small way, I have some experience of the tax system and would point out that the Inland Revenue has brought this on themselves.

Up to the 'good idea' of self assessment, a statement of accounts was sent to them, but now the details on the form show only profit and turnover.

Therefore, on any query on their part, letters are exchanged, whereas before, the tax inspector could look at the attached statement of accounts.

Even if the person's turnover is understated, by the time tax is worked out, taxable income (excess of allowances) is liable to tax on the first £1,500 at 10 per cent and the remainder is 22 per cent -- chickenfeed for the Inland Revenue.

The tax inspector's time could be better spent. For example, for a company which is VAT registered, the tax paid is 17 per cent on the takings, which is 'real money.'

Facts came to light a year or so ago of people who were in court for evasion (such as for working while drawing benefit).

Of the 52,684 cases, the total involved was approximately £1.5 million while that in the case of the 174 firms taken to court was £15 million.

MR S COBB, Manchester Road, Accrington.