Our Services
Tax Investigation Specialists
Keeping you compliant when it matters most
HMRC tax investigations have become much more common in recent years, particularly random compliance checks that may happen anytime without provocation. Our tax investigation specialists can help your business get through unscathed and ensure you stay on the good side of HMRC.
Tax Investigations
How can we help?
HMRC tax investigations
Receiving an HMRC tax investigation letter and knowing that your tax affairs will be scrutinised can be frightening. Accepting and facing the situation head-on is the best way to deal with it. We highly recommend taking specialist advice on responding to requests from HMRC for information and documentation.
We can help by preparing and presenting information in the correct formats, communicating with HMRC, attending meetings with HMRC on your behalf, and more.
Individuals and businesses
We have dealt with many individuals and companies who have experienced different forms of tax investigations, including income tax, corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, and others.
If you're the subject of an investigation, or even if you want to proactively disclose an issue to HMRC, our team has the knowledge and experience to help.
Offshore assets and foreign income
We have significant experience in assisting clients who are either subject to an ongoing HMRC tax investigation in relation to undisclosed offshore income, assets and gains, or those who wish to make a voluntary disclosure.
We can liaise with HMRC to resolve matters as amicably and quickly as possible while keeping you fully informed of progress throughout and ensuring potential penalties are mitigated as practically possible.
Get in touch
If you're facing an HMRC tax investigation, seeking an experienced adviser's support should be your first course of action.
Led by Amal Shah, our team has the experience and knowledge of dealing with HMRC to negotiate settlements on your behalf and reach a quick resolution.
To arrange a free initial consultation, please fill in the form or call the number below.
Call us
+44 (0)20 7299 1400Get in touch
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why choose us
Why Gerald Edelman?
Our tax investigation experts have substantial experience managing all types of HMRC audits, from aspect enquiries and random checks to full investigations.
We work closely with limited companies, sole traders and PLCs to keep their accounts in good order and give no reason for HMRC to flag unusual activity.
We understand the stress that naturally comes with the prospect of an investigation, particularly Section 9A, COP8 and COP9 notices. Our advisors can help restore your peace of mind and allow you to focus on running your business. Plus, our team includes ex-HMRC staff who have experience as tax inspectors and are familiar with the investigation process.
When it comes to minimising risks and resolving discrepancies, there's no substitute for expert knowledge and careful negotiation – and that's where Gerald Edelman can be an invaluable ally for you.
common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a tax investigation?
HMRC claim that compliance checks are typically triggered when there appears to be an error on your tax return. It could be that if you are a company, there is a large VAT claim. If only a small amount of tax is declared by a business with a very high turnover, this could also trigger a tax investigation. There are other things too:
– HMRC might receive a tip-off from an ex-business partner, friend or neighbour
– Your business might receive a large amount of cash as a payment
– You might experience a significant drop in income or a dramatic increase in costs.
How many years back can HMRC investigate my accounts?
The more serious they think a case could be, the further back HMRC will look. If they suspect deliberate tax evasion, they can investigate as far back as 20 years. More commonly, investigations into careless tax returns can go back six years, and investigations into innocent errors can go back four years.
Can I recoup the costs involved in a tax investigation?
If you are an existing client, we offer tax investigation insurance that would cover professional fees if you are subject to a tax investigation.
How long does a tax investigation take?
Exactly how long a tax investigation will take depends on the scope of HMRC’s case and the volume of paperwork involved. It could take a few months or even up to a year, and HMRC could delay your case further by asking for additional information. However, depending on the nature of the case, there are various ways to reduce the amount of time it takes.
I've received a COP9 letter. What should I do?
If HMRC suspects serious tax fraud, i.e. an individual or business has knowingly underpaid tax or overclaimed reliefs and grants, it may commence a Code of Practice (COP) 9 investigation. A letter is sent to the business or individuals concerned and offers them the chance to submit a full disclosure of their tax affairs under the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF). The recipient has 60 days to respond – they can accept or reject the COP9 offer.
Getting your response right is critical as this process can lead to criminal prosecution eventually. If you have received a COP9 letter, we highly recommend seeking specialist support from a tax investigation expert.
Can you help me with a VAT investigation or inspection?
HMRC performs thousands of VAT inspections on businesses all across the UK each year. If HMRC has contacted you regarding an inspection, we’re here to provide support throughout the entire process. We can deal with HMRC on your behalf, allowing you to remain focused on your business.