Tax investigations
When HMRC opens a tax investigation, it can feel intimidating, stressful, and overwhelming. For many individuals and businesses, these enquiries are not always the result of deliberate wrongdoing but are often triggered by accountancy negligence — bad advice, careless mistakes, or a lack of proper guidance.
Why HMRC Investigates HMRC investigates for a wide range of reasons, including: - Inconsistencies in tax returns. - Reports from third parties such as banks or employers. - Random compliance checks. - Use of offshore accounts or complex arrangements. - Suspected tax avoidance or evasion.
Investigations can be focused on a single area, such as VAT or PAYE, or wide-ranging, covering multiple aspects of your tax affairs.
What’s at Risk
The risks of an HMRC investigation are serious:
- Backdated tax liabilities, sometimes covering several years.
- Penalties and interest, which can significantly increase the amount owed.
- Criminal prosecution, in cases of suspected fraud.
- Business disruption, as HMRC may demand large amounts of information and documentation.
- Stress and uncertainty, especially if you don’t understand the process.
Even when there is no deliberate wrongdoing, HMRC investigations can still be costly if not handled properly.
The Role of Accountancy Negligence
Not every HMRC investigation is the fault of the taxpayer. In many cases, investigations are triggered because accountants gave bad advice, applied the wrong treatment, or failed to provide proper guidance. Common examples include:
- VAT errors caused by wrong advice on exemptions or zero-rating.
- PAYE and payroll mistakes leading to backdated liabilities.
- Misguided advice on IR35 or CIS status.
- Poor handling of director’s loans or expenses.
- Failure to advise on deadlines, registrations, or reporting obligations.
If your HMRC investigation is the result of accountancy negligence, we not only defend you against HMRC but also help you hold your accountant accountable for the damage caused. How We Help At Tax Investigation Helpline, we provide expert support for every type of HMRC investigation. Our service includes:
- Reviewing HMRC’s enquiry and explaining your position clearly.
- Taking over all communications with HMRC on your behalf.
- Preparing strong responses and defending your position.
- Negotiating to reduce penalties and settle disputes.
- Identifying whether poor accountancy advice caused the problem — and taking steps to address it.
Our team has extensive experience dealing with HMRC investigators. We know how they operate — and how to protect you from unnecessary financial and reputational damage.
Common Areas of Investigation HMRC investigations can cover many different areas of tax, including:
- Corporation Tax.
- VAT.
- PAYE.
- IR35.
- Self-Assessment.
- CIS.
- Director’s Loan Accounts.
- Inheritance Tax and Trusts.
- Money Laundering compliance.
- Failure to Notify obligations.
- COP8 and COP9 investigations.
Each area carries its own risks, and each requires a tailored approach — which is why expert representation is essential.
Don’t Face HMRC Alone If you are under investigation, the worst thing you can do is ignore HMRC or try to deal with them without expert help. Their investigators are trained to maximise penalties and liabilities, and they will always act in HMRC’s interest, not yours.
At Tax Investigation Helpline, we stand between you and HMRC. We ensure your rights are protected, your case is presented fairly, and the financial and emotional impact on you is minimised.
Contact Us Today
If HMRC has opened an investigation into your tax affairs, call Tax Investigation Helpline today. We’ll give you clear, confidential advice, take control of the process, and work tirelessly to protect your finances and your future. And if your accountant’s negligence played a role, we’ll make sure they are held to account too.
