You can’t hide from the taxman

Over the past two years, there has been a staggering increase in the number of investigations being conducted by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Although many businesses and individuals choose to believe they are not at risk, leading tax investigations experts have recently seen a 40% increase in the number of tax enquiries so this is a matter that requires immediate attention. Combined with this dramatic increase in investigations, Tax Inspectors have become far more aggressive in their pursuit of additional tax. Furthermore, HMRC is committed to raising an additional £7 billion a year from compliance by 2014/15.

Anyone who submits a tax return is at risk. Despite the fact that you may have done nothing wrong, nor done anything to warrant an investigation, HMRC could still target you. As well as random enquiries, HMRC now use ‘campaigns’ focused on different trades and professions in order to target individuals for enquiry. Campaigns have been set up to target (amongst others) plumbers, tutors, e-traders, electricians, offshore account holders and home improvement traders such as builders and roof fitters.

Clearly no one is safe...

Innocent until proven guilty is not a principle the Revenue practices. Undergoing a tax enquiry is extremely stressful and, unless you have professional representation, you are at risk of stumbling into the technical pitfalls that only an expert can avoid.

Even if the Revenue finds your tax affairs in order, you will be left with a hefty bill to cover your professional defence costs. Basic tax enquiries can require over £3,000 of professional fees.

Protect yourself today...

Sadly, many businesses are forced to accept HMRC’s demands as they cannot afford to continue with their defence. To ensure you are not a victim of unreasonable demands, and that you benefit from expert advice without the worry of expensive fees, you can subscribe to our Tax Investigations Package.

For the small annual fee, our package enables us to:
Provide you with full professional representation in the event of a Tax or VAT enquiry
Handle the Tax Authorities on your behalf
Deal with all correspondence and meetings with the Tax Inspector
Negotiate the best possible result for you

Are you the Revenue’s next target?

A property developer was subjected to a Corporation Tax Full Enquiry which lasted over two years. The Inspector queried matters relating to an associated company, hospitality costs and several loans. Professional costs of over £13,400 were incurred to conclude the enquiry.

An engineering company was selected for a full scale investigation. The Inspector suspected understated sales and also took the opportunity to review the PAYE procedures. Professional costs of over £5,300 were incurred to handle the various meetings and correspondence and the case took over a year to settle.

A hotelier had his personal bank account scrutinised as his hotel was subject to investigation and HMRC wanted to check the source of capital introduced to the business. Motor expenses were also reviewed. The enquiry cost £6,600 to conclude.

For more information on our Tax Investigation Service, please don't hesitate to contact us.

You can’t hide from the taxman

Clearly no one is safe...

Protect yourself today...

Are you the Revenue’s next target?

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