Tax enquiries are increasing, we can protect you
Once HMRC decide to investigate your return you have no option but to comply. Early professional representation is essential in quickly and successfully dealing with an enquiry. Even if your affairs are in order, and there may be no additional tax to pay, our fees to support you and your business throughout the enquiry remain.
Tax Enquiry Fee Protection Service
To help ease the stress of an enquiry and avoid the unbudgeted costs, we recommend you subscribe to our tax enquiry fee protection service for a one-off annual fee, which provides our professional representation for up to £100,000 of fees and free access to My Business Hub. We have included a leaflet which should answer any questions regarding tax enquiry triggers and why it’s more important than ever to be protected with this service.
My Business Hub – the ultimate digital toolkit and advice line
An online portal for all businesses, provided by the experts at Croner-i, is now included free as part of the tax enquiry fee protection service. Written documents, policies and procedures supported by expert telephone advice on all areas of employment law, health & safety, and commercial legal. Not only will you have protection from the risk that you are unfortunate enough to flag up on HMRC’s radar, but My Business Hub adds extra value, whether you’re investigated or not.
Even if you’ve done nothing wrong, anyone can be selected – meaning no one is immune to scrutiny.
No business is too small or too large for HMRC to challenge; those targeted include cash businesses, tradespeople, farmers, medical professionals, solicitors and individuals. Below are just some examples of businesses that have been investigated.
HMRC selected a large restaurant chain for an unannounced visit and subsequent VAT enquiry. After 2 years, HMRC raised a best judgement assessment of c. £100k.
The practice pursued matters through Alternative Dispute Resolution resulting in costs of £15,000. The enquiry concluded with no additional tax liabilities.
An enquiry into a non-resident individual took several years, with HMRC requesting a large amount of very detailed information. After numerous exchanges of correspondence, HMRC ultimately concluded that the tax treatment was correct.
The enquiry costs amounted to in excess of £30,000.
HMRC opened a full enquiry into a self-employed caterer. The Inspector requested all of the books and records at the outset and subsequently made further enquiries about the expenses claimed. The practice managed to close the enquiry via correspondence alone, with no adjustments required to the return.
Yet fees still amounted to £2,000.
Where we come in.
- No one can prevent an investigation, but our tax investigations package:
- Will remove your concerns about the cost of an enquiry
- Ensure you receive the best defence so that your tax position is protected
- Enable us to challenge HMRC’s assertions and assumptions head on
- Ensure that the basis of any enquiry is correct and that your case is handled fairly
- Handle all communications with HMRC, including letters, phone calls or notices issued
- Ensure the tax inspector is only asking for relevant information and documents and provide all supporting information from our files that relates to your accounts
- Prepare for and attend any face-to-face meetings with the tax inspector
- Argue any complex or technical tax cases that are raised during the enquiry
So whether it’s a PAYE or VAT visit, a technical enquiry or full blown books and records enquiry, our tax investigations service is designed to get you the best result. That’s why we strongly recommend that all our clients subscribe.
For a small yearly cost, you can rest assured that you are fully protected against professional costs associated with an HMRC enquiry.
Please contact Sharon or Dawn at LWA who will send you the information including a form to complete to make your payment to subscribe. You will then receive a Confirmation of Service confirming your tax enquiry fee protection service is in place including a QR code to scan to gain immediate access to My Business Hub. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help. Call 0161 905 1801 for our office in South Manchester, or 01925 830 830 for our team in Warrington.