Tax Investigation Specialists

Whether you’ve received a letter from HMRC, cannot reach an agreement, or just feel HMRC simply isn’t listening, we can help. Enlist the support of Buzzacott's tax investigation specialists.

What should you do?

HMRC will open an enquiry and issue a letter when it suspects that your tax affairs contain irregularities. Some letters can seem welcoming and polite, whereas others, such as those issued in respect of a Code of Practice 9 investigation (COP9), can be far more accusatory in tone. However, all must be handled with caution and you should consider your next steps carefully to ensure matters do not spiral out of control. As such, we recommend you:

1. Stay calm – We understand that receiving one of these letters can be an extremely stressful experience. However, it’s important you remain calm and consider your options carefully. Acting impulsively could make things worse.  
2. Do not ignore the letter – Not responding to the letter is not an option. If HMRC receives no response, it will continue to investigate your tax affairs, and your failure to cooperate could lead to much higher penalties further down the line. In some cases, it may even lead to criminal prosecution.
3. Seek specialist advice – While we recommend being cooperative and transparent with HMRC, responding without specialist guidance and advice could result in you incurring unnecessary tax, interest, and penalties.

Here’s why you should consider a tax investigation specialist 

Specialist advisers, like us, will guide you around potential pitfalls and manage your case to make sure you’re properly protected. 

At Buzzacott, our team, including former HMRC Senior Inspectors, will give you an unparalleled insight into the enquiry process and HMRC’s powers. We utilise our knowledge to anticipate HMRC’s likely course of action and expertly guide our clients through the enquiry process, reducing your exposure to tax and penalties for you.

When considering appointing specialist representation to deal with a HMRC tax investigation, you and your advisers should ask the following questions:

• Do you feel comfortable dealing with HMRC?
• Are you able to manage and control HMRC?
• What potential penalties are involved and do you know how best to minimise these?
• Are there any errors in your tax/VAT affairs that you should disclose and, if so, how did these errors happen?
• Are you sure which irregularities are deliberate and which are non-deliberate, and are you confident you can defend this position if pressed by HMRC?
• What is the best way of addressing your tax affairs to secure a better settlement or outcome with HMRC?
• Can you go to prison?
• Are you concerned about being publicised as a tax defaulter?

If you feel hesitant or uncomfortable about your ability to deal with the any of the above points, it’s in your best interest to consider appointing a specialist.

How we can help

We use our unique understanding of HMRC to robustly defend our clients’ position, ensuring that any disputes with HMRC are resolved as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. Buzzacott’s array of multi-disciplined and specialist teams, all housed under one roof, will work collaboratively to provide you with the most comprehensive advice and representation. 

Should you choose to get specialist advice from Buzzacott, we will help ease the burden by:

• Carrying out a comprehensive review of your tax affairs, working with you and your professional adviser (if applicable), to ensure we have a full understanding of the issues and risks you’re facing.
• Preparing and executing a tailored strategy going forward to minimise your potential exposure to unnecessary tax, interest, and penalties.
• If necessary, presenting an accurate disclosure to HMRC which ensures that you’re treated fairly and proportionately.
• Fast-tracking your investigation to resolution and closure of all issues at minimum cost and disruption to you.

Our service is discreet and comprehensive, tailored to meet your unique needs and protect your interests. Get in touch below for help today.

Get help today

Call us today on +44 (0)20 7710 3389 or fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch. All communications are in the strictest confidence.