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Most tax investigations happen because HMRC has reason to believe that some aspect of your tax return or business accounts is wrong. They may have received a tip off, some figures in the tax return may not tally with other information they have, or the return may have been sent in late.

To sort this out, contact us immediately to save yourself from going through what can be a long, financially, and emotionally draining procedure with HMRC. Our tax investigation specialists provide an extra layer of protection against HMRC and help in closing the enquiry with your best interests protected.

One important way to minimise the risk of becoming a target for investigation is to make sure your personal tax return and company accounts are always delivered to the appropriate agency (Companies House/HMRC) on time. Another way to avoid suspicion is to use the dns online accounting portal, employ a good accountant, keep hold of receipts and be scrupulous about correct reporting. Another thing, never ignore any correspondence from HMRC.

No. HMRC randomly selects a proportion of tax returns every year. In the first two years of self-assessment, some 15,000 returns were investigated. HMRC will write to you to let you know that your affairs are being investigated although it will not normally give the reason behind its decision to launch an enquiry. Under the self-assessment regime, the Revenue must start any enquiry within 12 months of the last filing date of 31 January but there is no requirement for an investigation to conclude within a fixed period of time.

If it is found that a tax payer has intentionally misled the tax authorities, punishment can be severe: prosecutions, jail sentences and stiff fines designed to recoup the unpaid tax and penalties.

In cases where minor amounts of income have been undeclared or where small mistakes have been made on the return, normally the matter can be cleared up with a few phone calls and submission of relevant pay slips. If the problem appears to be a simple one of omission, HMRC can ask the tax payer to answer specific questions or provide documents that might answer the question. If it is discovered that tax has been underpaid, the taxpayer will have to pay what is due plus any penalty or interest accrued. Where serious fraud (amounts of more than £50,000) is concerned, HMRC can start to request information from banks, accountants and other parties if it is the tax inspector’s “reasonable opinion” that this will help the investigation.

In serious cases of fraud, HMRC can bring in the Special Compliance Office, an elite unit responsible for the most high-profile investigations. The SCO has the power to negotiate settlements and can also agree not to prosecute a taxpayer as long as full disclosure is made.

Yes, but taxpayers’ affairs are confidential and information will only be disclosed to people that the individual agrees it may be given to, such as dns or another adviser. But, HMRC can ask former employers, customers, suppliers or colleagues for information relating to its investigation

Yes, of course, but you may have to go back through the whole accounts’ years (legally you must keep six years), and to collate this and submit it all is quite a job if you are still trying to run a company.

Yes, if you have subscribed to our Tax Investigation Service we will look after searching, collating, submitting all the documents requested and required. We will liaise with the tax authorities on your behalf and help you every step of the way. You will also have access to a legal helpline.

Our team of experts have many success stories. With over 50 years of combined experience in the industry dns can help you deal with your HMRC investigations.

dns is an industry leader when it comes to HMRC investigations and Disputes resolution (ADR). Our team of investigations specialists comprises of Chartered Tax Advisers who have extensive experience in dealing with tax investigations work, who exactly understand how to handle your enquiry/dispute to take the burden away from your shoulder and deliver the best outcome. Our experts will rigorously defend your position within the scope and parameter of law.

If you have received an enquiry notice or undergoing an existing enquiry with HMRC, then the chances are dns can help you to reach the best outcome.

There is an article on our blog. Or you can visit the HMRC website for more detailed information.