Call it an enquiry, an investigation, an intervention or a check, either way they can leave a taxpayer feeling anxious. During an enquiry, HMRC ask you questions about, and may also ask to look at some of the documents you have used or will use to complete, your tax return or tax credits claim. HMRC have the right to ask to see information or documents that they reasonably require for the purpose of checking your tax position.
Even if you don’t think you have done anything wrong you must deal with an enquiry or HMRC may believe you are hiding something and take extra steps to obtain more information.
If HMRC has started an enquiry the first thing to do is not panic. HMRC might be asking you a question to clarify something they do not understand or to send them some particular documents. You should then decide whether you need professional advice and representation from an appropriately qualified and experienced adviser. You may feel able to deal with an enquiry yourself however what starts off on the face of it a simple matter can escalate into a complex and stressful situation.
As a firm of Chartered Tax Advisers we can guide and advise you on enquiry procedure. It’s not unknown for HMRC to get basics wrong , after all they are only human like the rest of us – broadly, if you filed your tax return on time and made no changes to it, HMRC have 12 months from the date you filed the return in which to open an enquiry so you shouldn’t be afraid to challenge HMRC if you believe they are outside the time limit when an enquiry might be opened.
Equally, HMRC make many valid enquiries which result in collection of lost taxes, penalty and interest. We can help and advise you on this complex area with a view to achieving the best outcomes. Our advisers are trained to help you in this specialist area, in addition we know an enquiry can be a stressful time so we will always be patient, kind and supportive.
Talk to an adviser today and let us help take the stress of an enquiry.
