A team, set up to tackle tax affairs of the UK's wealthiest individuals, has brought in more than £500m in revenue, since it was launched three years ago, exceeding HMRC expectations.

The High Net Worth Unit (HNWU) was originally expected to collect around £100m a year, but after £83m in its first year, the unit clawed £162m in 2010/11, followed by £200m last year and have so far raised £55m in extra tax for the current financial year.

HNWU head, Martin Randall, said: 'The tax affairs of the richest people in the country are, by their nature, complex, and that's why we have focused resources on getting their tax right.

'The majority of the wealthiest taxpayers play by the rules, paying the right tax at the right time, but we take action against the minority who don't. This approach has delivered the result we have announced today.'

The unit comprises of 380 staff who examine the tax affairs of the 5,000 or so UK citizens with assets in excess of £20m.

Exchequer secretary, David Gauke, said: 'Today's figures show that HMRC's HNWU is making sure that the country's wealthiest citizens pay the tax they owe. The government is committed to a fair tax system where those with the most contribute the most. The overwhelming majority of people pay their taxes, so it is absolutely right that HMRC pursues anyone who tries to avoid their responsibility.'