HMRC is focusing its aim on Tax Investigations
You could be targeted at any time. Every year, HMRC carries out enquiries into the tax affairs of an increasing number of individuals and businesses in the UK. Many people find an HMRC enquiry disruptive, intrusive, stressful and ultimately expensive.
£814bn Total Tax Revenues
316,000 HMRC Compliance Checks in 2022/23
£3,800​ The Average Cost of an Enquiry
What is a Tax Investigation?
â–ª Many tax investigations occur randomly. However, unusual fluctuations, undisclosed accounts, and irregular spending can also
trigger an enquiry into individuals and companies.
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â–ª HMRC has the authority to inspect business documents and assets at your premises, request additional documents
and information, conduct unannounced inspections, and investigate matters going back up to six years.
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â–ª These investigations can be disruptive, intrusive, and costly. When HMRC investigates, the process can extend for a year or
more, leading to mounting expenses and increased stress levels.
Our Expertise
Our Tax Investigation Service means that should you, or your business, suffer an HMRC investigation we can:​
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â–ª Provide you with full professional representation from tax and
accountancy staff who already know you and understand your tax affairs
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â–ª Handle HMRC on your behalf by dealing with all correspondence and attending all meetings
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â–ª Negotiate the best possible result for you
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▪ ​We believe that our Tax Investigation Service provides a lifeline to our clients by providing low cost, but valuable peace of mind, at a time when it is most needed.
Case Studies
Cross Tax Enquiry
HMRC launched a “Cross Tax Enquiry” into a manufacturing business that included a full review of the entire corporation tax return and four years of PAYE and VAT records.
From the outset it became clear that HMRC were unsure exactly what they were looking for and were undergoing a fishing expedition.
The questioning became increasingly onorous and seemingly endless. After one meeting alone, dozens of questions followed. Despite the best efforts of the advisor, the enquiry dragged on for over two years, resuting in only small adjustments. Over £20,000 of fees were settled under the Tax Investigation Service.
Incorrect Information
HMRC opened an enquiry into an individual suggesting a client had not declared all of their income. on their tax return. HMRC then refused to disclose to the client what information they held.
The enquiry lasted for over three years and cost over £15,000 to deal with in accountancy fees alone.
It turned out that HMRC’s information was incorrect and that no tax penalties or interest were due. However the accountant’s fees were still settled under the Tax Investigation Service.
Did you know?
Last year HMRC collected over £41 billion from tax investigations and enquiries. They also revealed that in the year to 2023, it brought in a record total of £814 billion in taxes, up by 10.3% on the previous year.
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The stress and cost of an investigation can be considerable and our expertise can save you time and money in the long run. There has never been a better time to subscribe to our Tax Investigation Service. Subscribing clients will also have free access to a specialist Unannounced HMRC Visits Helpline.
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HMRC can visit at any time and we believe it is vitally important you can get the advice you need, when you need it. Subscribe to our Tax Investigation Service today to protect yourself from the costs involved in a tax investigation.
It could happen to you.
Every year, HMRC carries out enquiries into the tax affairs of an increasing number of individuals and businesses in the UK. Many people find an HMRC enquiry disruptive, intrusive, stressful and ultimately expensive.​​
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There does not need to be a reason for HMRC to check your tax affairs. If you submit a tax return you can be selected at random, even if you have done nothing wrong. ​
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There has been a surge in compliance cases opened by HMRC as it ramps up tax investigations work. 316,000 checks had been opened in the year to 31 June 2023 – up 30% from 247,000 in the previous 12 months. A tax investigation can cost you thousands of pounds in accountancy fees and can often drag on for years. The average cost of an investigation is £3,800 in accountancy fees.
Nothing to Hide?
Many tax enquiries are conducted at random. Unfortunately even innocent taxpayers get caught up in the process and are under threat of investigation. Whether or not there is an issue with your tax affairs, an investigation is a time consuming process that can rack up substantial accountancy fees.
We have taken out an insurance policy in our own name that is backed by Bspoke Fee Protection, one of the UK’s leading providers. Our policy enables us to provide you with expert advice and peace of mind knowing we will work on your case to resolve the situation up to our service limits.