Professional Advice When HMRC Opens an Enquiry
Receiving a letter from HMRC can be unsettling, particularly if you’re unsure why you’ve been contacted or what’s expected of you. Whether the enquiry relates to Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE or another aspect of your tax affairs, obtaining professional advice early can make the process significantly more manageable.
At RAIMS Accountants, we provide practical advice and experienced representation tailored to your circumstances. Our aim is to reduce uncertainty, protect your interests and help bring the matter to an efficient resolution.
Why Has HMRC Contacted Me?
Being contacted by HMRC doesn't necessarily mean you've done anything wrong. Enquiries are opened for many different reasons, ranging from routine compliance checks to requests for additional information.
Random Compliance Checks
Some tax returns are selected for routine review as part of HMRC's compliance programme, even where no concerns have been identified.
Missing or Incomplete Information
HMRC may require additional documents or clarification before completing their review of your tax affairs.
Discrepancies in Tax Returns
Differences between your tax return and information HMRC already holds can result in further enquiries.
Property Transactions
Property disposals, rental income and Capital Gains Tax reporting frequently attract additional scrutiny.
Business Activity
Significant changes in turnover, profits, expenses or trading patterns may prompt HMRC to request further information.
Targeted HMRC Campaigns
HMRC regularly carries out sector-specific compliance campaigns focusing on particular industries, businesses or tax issues.
Why Clients Trust RAIMS During HMRC Enquiries
- Experienced Representation
- Clear, Straightforward Advice
- Meticulous Preparation
- Responsive Support & WhatsApp Access
- Transparent Pricing
- Outcome-Focused Support
Expertise Across a Wide Range of HMRC Enquiries
HMRC enquiries vary considerably in scope and complexity. Whether you’re an individual, landlord or business owner, we provide practical support across a broad range of compliance checks and tax investigations.
Self Assessment Enquiries
Advice and representation for individuals whose Self Assessment tax returns have been selected for review.
Corporation Tax Enquiries
Supporting limited companies responding to Corporation Tax enquiries and requests for additional information.
VAT Investigations
Helping businesses manage VAT compliance checks, inspections and related HMRC enquiries.
PAYE & Payroll Reviews
Guidance during PAYE compliance reviews, payroll inspections and employer-related enquiries.
CIS Compliance Checks
Supporting contractors and subcontractors during Construction Industry Scheme compliance reviews.
Capital Gains Tax Enquiries
Advice on HMRC enquiries relating to property disposals, investments and Capital Gains Tax reporting.
How We Support You Throughout an HMRC Enquiry
Understanding Your Situation
We carefully review HMRC’s correspondence, discuss your circumstances and explain exactly what the enquiry involves.
Reviewing the Evidence
Supporting records and financial information are assessed to ensure responses are accurate, complete and appropriately presented.
Communicating with HMRC
Where authorised, we correspond directly with HMRC on your behalf, reducing unnecessary stress and helping ensure deadlines are met.
We present your position clearly, respond to HMRC’s questions and help ensure the enquiry progresses as efficiently as possible.
Keeping You Informed
Throughout the process, we explain developments in straightforward language so you always understand what is happening and why.
Working Towards a Resolution
Our objective is to help bring the enquiry to an efficient and well-managed conclusion while keeping you informed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions About HMRC Tax Investigations
What is an HMRC tax investigation?
An HMRC tax investigation (also known as an HMRC enquiry) is a review of your tax affairs to check whether your tax returns are accurate and complete. HMRC may request additional information, supporting documents or explanations before closing the enquiry.
Why has HMRC contacted me?
HMRC may open an investigation for several reasons, including routine compliance checks, inconsistencies in a tax return, unusually high expense claims, missing information or data received from third parties. An enquiry does not necessarily mean you have done anything wrong.
Can HMRC investigate me if I've made an honest mistake?
Yes. HMRC enquiries can arise even where mistakes are genuine or no additional tax is ultimately due. An enquiry simply allows HMRC to review your tax affairs and establish whether your returns are correct.
Should I respond to HMRC myself?
While you can respond directly to HMRC, many individuals and businesses prefer professional representation to ensure responses are accurate, complete and submitted within the required timescales.
How long does an HMRC tax investigation take?
The length of an HMRC investigation depends on its complexity. Simple enquiries may be resolved within a few months, while more detailed investigations involving multiple tax years or businesses can take considerably longer.
What documents might HMRC ask for during an investigation?
HMRC may request accounting records, bank statements, invoices, receipts, payroll records, VAT records, contracts or any other documents needed to support the figures reported on your tax returns.
Can you deal with HMRC on my behalf?
Yes. Once authorised, we can communicate directly with HMRC, prepare responses, provide supporting evidence and represent you throughout the investigation, helping reduce stress and ensuring correspondence is handled professionally.
What happens if HMRC finds an error?
If HMRC identifies an error, you may need to pay additional tax, interest and, in some cases, penalties. The outcome depends on the nature of the error and the surrounding circumstances, including whether HMRC considers it to be genuine, careless or deliberate.
What should I do if I receive an HMRC enquiry letter?
You should not ignore the letter. Contact us as soon as possible so we can review the enquiry, explain what HMRC is requesting and help prepare an appropriate response within the required deadlines.
Can HMRC investigate tax returns from previous years?
Yes. HMRC can investigate previous tax years, with the time limits depending on the circumstances. In some cases, HMRC may review returns going back several years where they believe additional tax may be due.
Will an HMRC investigation automatically result in penalties?
No. An investigation does not automatically lead to penalties. Many enquiries are resolved without penalties, particularly where taxpayers have maintained accurate records and cooperate fully with HMRC.
Can HMRC investigate my business as well as my personal tax?
Yes. HMRC may investigate sole traders, limited companies, partnerships, landlords and individuals. The enquiry may relate to Corporation Tax, Self Assessment, VAT, PAYE or other tax obligations.
Can I continue running my business during an HMRC investigation?
Yes. Most businesses continue operating as normal during an HMRC enquiry. You will simply need to provide any information HMRC requests while continuing to meet your ongoing tax obligations.
Do you help with Self Assessment investigations?
Yes. We assist individuals whose Self Assessment tax returns have been selected for review, helping prepare responses, gather supporting evidence and communicate with HMRC throughout the enquiry.
Do you represent limited companies during HMRC investigations?
Yes. We represent limited companies facing Corporation Tax, PAYE, VAT and other HMRC enquiries, ensuring responses are accurate, complete and submitted on time.
How much does professional representation during an HMRC investigation cost?
The cost depends on the complexity of the enquiry and the work involved. After reviewing HMRC’s correspondence, we will provide a clear quotation before any work begins.
Can I switch to RAIMS if my current accountant is already dealing with the investigation?
Yes. If you are unhappy with your current representation, you can appoint us to take over your HMRC investigation. With your authority, we can liaise with HMRC and obtain the relevant information from your previous accountant where appropriate.
Do you provide HMRC investigation support throughout the UK?
Yes. We support individuals and businesses across the UK. As a cloud-based accountancy practice, we can communicate by phone, email, video call and secure document sharing, making it easy to manage your HMRC enquiry wherever you are located.
Received a Letter from HMRC?
The sooner you seek professional advice, the easier it is to understand your position and respond appropriately.
Book a free consultation to discuss your HMRC enquiry and receive practical, confidential advice tailored to your circumstances.