Case Study 1: Unlocking VAT Repayments for a Growing Food Manufacturer
Client: Food Manufacturer, Midlands
HMRC Issue: VAT Repayments being held up following business expansion
Background:
A successful food manufacturer in the Midlands had recently completed a large-scale refurbishment project to expand its production capacity. The company submitted substantial VAT repayment claims due to large input tax on capital expenditure.
The Challenge:
HMRC delayed several VAT repayments pending further verification, creating serious cash flow problems and the risk of missed supplier payments.
When to contact the Tax Investigation Helpline:
If HMRC is delaying or withholding VAT repayments and communication has stalled, it’s crucial to get expert help early. Delays can escalate quickly and severely affect cash flow.
Our Approach:
Tax Investigation Helpline reviewed HMRC’s correspondence, identified their key concerns, and arranged a site visit with the HMRC VAT Inspector.
We prepared full supporting evidence — including invoices, project documentation, and payment records and addressed all queries during the visit.
The Outcome:
Within seven days of the site visit, HMRC released all outstanding VAT repayments.
Result: Full repayment received, cash flow restored, and business expansion plans resumed.
Facing VAT repayment delays?
Call the Tax Investigation Helpline for immediate assistance — early intervention can make all the difference.
Case Study 2: Recovering a Construction Company from Liquidation
Client: Civil Construction Company, London.
HMRC Issue: £1.3 million tax debt resulting in liquidation.
Background: A large London-based construction company was forced into liquidation following an HMRC demand for £1.3 million in unpaid VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax. Dozens of jobs were at risk.
The Challenge: Once liquidation proceedings began, the directors feared they had lost control of the situation. They believed HMRC’s figures were inaccurate but didn’t know how to challenge them.
When to contact the Tax Investigation Helpline: If HMRC has issued a winding-up petition or liquidation notice, contact us immediately. Acting quickly can prevent or reverse serious consequences.
Our Approach. VATable carried out a forensic review of HMRC’s assessments, identifying major discrepancies. We negotiated directly with HMRC’s Insolvency and Debt Management teams and achieved a revised liability of £500,000, a reduction of over 60%. Later, when HMRC misallocated the £500,000 payment and attempted to pursue the debt again, we stepped in, resolved the issue, and even secured compensation for the client due to HMRC’s administrative error.
The Outcome:
- Business recovered from liquidation
- £800,000 saved
- HMRC error corrected
- Compensation received
Case Study 3: Lifting an Account Freeze for a Luxury Watch Trader
Client: Luxury Watch Trader
HMRC Issue: Account Freeze Order under investigation for proceeds of crime.
Background:* A reputable luxury watch trader suddenly found their business bank account frozen under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). HMRC suspected links to a wider criminal network, even though the client was trading legitimately.
The Challenge: With all funds frozen, the client couldn’t trade, pay suppliers, or meet payroll. Their reputation was under threat, and the business was effectively paralysed.
When to contact the Tax Investigation Helpline:
If HMRC or law enforcement has frozen your bank account, or you’ve been drawn into a proceeds of crime investigation, seek help immediately, time is critical.
Our Approach: VATable carried out a detailed review of the client’s transactions, supplier network, and financial trail to demonstrate full transparency and legitimate trading. We liaised with HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) and the financial institution involved, presenting a robust compliance report and position statement.
The Outcome: Within six weeks, HMRC lifted the account freeze. No charges were brought, and the client’s business resumed normal trading.
Case Study 4: Correcting a VAT Registration Error in the Care Sector
Client: Specialist Care Provider for Young Adults
HMRC Issue: Incorrect VAT registration causing £450,000 assessment
Background: A care provider offering residential and therapeutic support for young adults had been incorrectly registered for VAT by their accountant. The business was VAT-exempt but had reclaimed VAT on all costs, leading to a £450,000 HMRC assessment.
The Challenge: The client faced potential insolvency and the risk of losing their CQC-regulated care home operations.
When to contact the Tax Investigation Helpline: If HMRC raises a large unexpected VAT assessment, or if you suspect your accountant has made a VAT registration error, contact us before making any payment.
Our Approach: We reviewed the structure of the business and identified an opportunity to implement a VAT group restructuring that allowed legitimate recovery of VAT on certain activities. We negotiated with HMRC to pause enforcement action while the restructuring was reviewed, ensuring no payments were demanded during the process.
The Outcome: The £450,000 liability remains on hold while HMRC reviews our restructuring plan. The client continues trading with full protection and no payments required.
Case Study 5: Reducing a Builder’s HMRC Debt by Two-Thirds
Client: Self-Employed Builder
HMRC Issue: Trading above VAT threshold without registration.
Background: A self-employed builder had been trading above the VAT threshold for years on the advice of his accountant, who incorrectly told him he didn’t need to register.
The Challenge: HMRC issued an assessment for £100,000, including backdated VAT, penalties, and interest, a devastating sum for a sole trader.
When to contact the Tax Investigation Helpline: If HMRC issues a VAT or tax assessment or you discover past registration errors, call us before responding to HMRC. The sooner we review it, the more we can save you.
Our Approach: We performed a full financial review, calculating legitimate input VAT and correcting HMRC’s overestimates. We also successfully argued that penalties should be waived, as the client acted on professional advice in good faith. Following detailed discussions, HMRC accepted a revised liability of £36,000, a 64% reduction, and agreed a Time to Pay arrangement over an extended period.
The Outcome: The client avoided bankruptcy and continues trading successfully.
Result: Debt reduced from £100,000 to £36,000; Time to Pay plan secured; business saved.
When to Contact the Tax Investigation Helpline
You should call immediately if:
- HMRC delays or withholds VAT repayments
- You receive a large or unexpected tax assessment
- Your business is facing liquidation, enforcement, or investigation
- Your bank account has been frozen
- You’re struggling with tax debt or unsure how to respond to HMRC letters
Free Confidential Consultation: Call [Tax Investigation Helpline – 0800 XXX XXXX]
or
Email [info@taxinvestigationhelpline.co.uk]
Contact Us Today
If you’ve received notice of a VAT investigation, don’t wait. Early action gives you the best chance of a positive outcome. Call Tax Investigation Helpline today for confidential, expert support. We’ll stand between you and HMRC, guiding you every step of the way.
