Tax Disputes and Investigations
Protecting individuals and businesses from HMRC enquiry stress and risk.
Whether it's an unexpected nudge letter about an offshore account or a full-scale investigation into your business's tax affairs, our team is here for you.
We understand that mistakes happen and will act as your robust defence, working to minimise your financial exposure and make the process as straightforward as possible.
Delivering deep technical tax knowledge and extensive HMRC investigation experience.
Our experts have vast experience dealing with all levels of HMRC scrutiny, from routine compliance checks to the most serious investigations. We understand the inner workings of HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS), including complex Code of Practice 8 (COP8) and Code of Practice 9 (COP9) fraud investigations.
We use this knowledge to anticipate HMRC's moves and expertly guide our clients to a successful resolution. Beyond our robust defence work, we offer proactive health checks to review your tax affairs and identify any risks before they escalate. This helps you stay compliant, avoid future disputes and move forward with peace of mind.
First steps to take after receiving an HMRC enquiry
Receiving an enquiry from HMRC can create uncertainty about what to do next. Taking the right steps early can help you protect your position and respond in a measured and informed way.
1. Review the letter carefully
Read the HMRC letter in full. Confirm the type of enquiry, the periods under review, the information requested, and any deadlines. Do not respond before you understand the scope. Early or incomplete responses can complicate the process.
2. Organise relevant records
Gather the records that relate to the periods HMRC has identified. This may include tax returns, accounts, bank statements, invoices, receipts, and earlier correspondence. Organised records support a clear response.
3. Seek specialist advice early
Contact a tax adviser at the outset. A specialist can help you understand the enquiry, manage communication with HMRC, and decide what information to provide and when. This reduces the risk of widening the enquiry and supports a measured approach.
4. Respond with care and clarity
Provide information only when you understand the request in full. Avoid offering explanations that have not been reviewed. Clear communication helps HMRC understand your position and keeps the enquiry focused.
Our services
Our team provides support across the full range of HMRC enquiries, disclosures, investigations, and related tax dispute matters, including:
Why work with us?
We provide a bespoke service focused on protecting your financial position and your peace of mind.
Financial protection
We work to minimise your tax, interest, and penalties, protecting your assets and business.
Expert guidance
We are recognised experts, offering robust representation and a clear strategy to resolve your issue.
Former HMRC experience
Former HMRC FIS experience is available within our team, which helps inform the way we approach your case.
Peace of mind
With us by your side, you can deal with HMRC confidently and focus on what matters most.
Hear from our clients
Barbara and her team reduced a client's customs duty liability from nearly £4m to £1.7m. Her invaluable, no-nonsense approach and negotiation with HMRC resulted in a fair and just outcome. They were highly professional and easy to work with.
David Miller, The Customs People
From the moment Mark, Barbara and their team were on board, everything changed. The pressure I was under seemed to lift. I will never forget how they treated me with personal kindness; even taking calls from me out of office hours whenever I was feeling worried. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Anonymous client, about Mark Taylor and Barbara Bento
I’ve worked with Mark on a number of tax related issues concerning my clients over the years. Not only is Mark a team player, his intimate knowledge of the inner workings of HMRC and his ability to anticipate issues in advance gives my clients a valuable edge. He is my first port of call when HMRC related issues arise.
Jason Mansell, Barrister, QEB Hollis Whiteman
We’ve used Mark in the past on a complex investigation matter. Being based in Birmingham, we were hesitant using a London firm, however, he was superb. He and his team got a £135k liability reduced down to £3k through their unique knowledge and understanding of HMRC.
Marco De Vincentis, Accountant
The team at Buzzacott filled me with confidence with their extensive knowledge and experience, which was of great comfort to me at a very challenging time. They helped me work towards a solution in a proactive manner and I felt their honest approach in dealing with the enquiry was excellent. I would happily recommend Mark, Barbara, and their team to any of my contacts.
Anonymous client
They were very professional and took the time to understand and assess my position fully and fairly. They took away the stress of dealing with what could have been a very unpleasant situation. The work they did finally resulted in a positive outcome. I can’t praise their professionalism high enough.
Anonymous client
That's the best news from this year! We highly appreciate you and your team's hard work on it [the compliance check]. Your efforts not only contributed to completing the compliance check, but also in saving the business. Words can't express our heartfelt thanks. Thank you once again for your invaluable support.
Anonymous client