HMRC risk-assesses returns against the data it already holds. Where income looks light or expenses look heavy, they write to say they are carrying out a compliance check and list the records they want — sometimes including the current year as well as years already filed.
Many business checks include a visit. That is usually by appointment. In limited circumstances they can arrive without notice. You are entitled to have your tax adviser present. The same legislation that lets them check also limits what they can demand. A general accountant who hands over “everything” often gives HMRC a second investigation they did not start with.
When a check becomes an investigation
If they find significant errors they can escalate. Getting us involved early means we can often explain a mismatch — a timing difference, a loan, a personal transfer — before it is written up as omitted income.
How Solaratax helps
We attend the visit, answer the questions that are in scope, and control the papers so HMRC cannot later say you failed to cooperate while you also did not volunteer your entire life. If something is wrong, we agree it cleanly rather than letting the check drift.
Call 01615 314179 or email enquiries@solaratax.co.uk for a free, confidential discussion. We will not contact HMRC in your name until you instruct us to act.
Questions we are asked
Related investigations
HMRC tax investigations
What an HMRC enquiry actually is, how it can escalate, and how we keep the case in the civil system wherever we can.
VAT investigations
VAT visits, input tax queries and the more serious dishonest-conduct cases under Notice 160.
PAYE investigations
Employer record visits: pay, benefits, status, CIS and the way a payroll check can open VAT or director enquiries.
Talk to Solaratax
128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX. 01615 314179. enquiries@solaratax.co.uk. Free, confidential, no obligation.
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