Tax investigations

HMRC can look into your affairs in great detail. We are here to help if HMRC target you.

Why are HMRC investigating?

£800 million has been allocated to target tax evasion, in a bid to fill the public finance black hole. Many tax investigations are random. Even if you have done nothing wrong, you are still at risk of an investigation which can take many months and cost thousands of pounds in professional fees.

Beware ‘CONNECT’!

HMRC are using a piece of highly efficient software which is accessing and trawling through your financial information right now.

The ‘CONNECT’ system is scouring vast databanks to unearth discrepancies between taxpayers and businesses, income, assets and transactions. However, sometimes they may not be correct and select the wrong targets.

Since 2008, billions of pounds worth of extra tax has been clawed back and the reach of ‘CONNECT’ is ever growing.

What could an investigation involve?

Some investigations will involve a detailed examination of a specific item on a tax return, others may extend to a full review of all individual or business affairs. HMRC has the power to inspect business documents and assets at your premises, can ask for documents and information, make unannounced inspections and go back up to six years to investigate matters.

When HMRC comes knocking…

Even if HMRC make the mistake, it will be expensive for the taxpayer.

An engineering company was selected for a tax investigation for the first time. Despite turnover being in excess of £20 million, a relatively inexperienced HMRC officer was allocated to the case. There was clearly a lack of understanding in the queries being raised, which led to constant requests for explanations and documentation and a lot of costly specialist support.

After over two years and several meetings, the case was closed without any adjustments.

The accountancy costs in excess of £20,000 were settled under a Tax Investigation Service.

What should I do if HMRC target me?

If HMRC states its intention to investigate your tax position don’t panic, call us, – your dedicated accountant and best line of defence. We will translate the many complicated questions the taxman may pose, manage the entire conversation with the taxman, help you submit any required information and minimise the impact on your business or personal accounts.

Where our service comes in

Our Tax Investigation Service will cover our professional fees that result from most types of HMRC enquiry or investigation (full details are listed in the service summary).

Unlike some fee protection products that appoint their own advisers, our service ensures that we can continue representing you. We believe that we know you and your business best, and we want to be there for you when you need us most. Our service is backed by Professional Fee Protection Limited, who are one of the leading specialists in this field in the UK.

It costs less than you think

Subscribing to the tax investigation service costs less than you think. A modest cost now could save you thousands of pounds in the future. Sign up today to protect yourself from the cost of an investigation!

To learn what protection is available click here, and for a further understanding on what a tax investigation is click here.