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Specialist Tax Services by Tax Investigation Experts
Our tax accountants are well trained in communicating with taxman regarding specialist tax services. If you have received tax investigation letter, call us to book an appointment.
Get Professional Help for Tax Investigations
Specialist Tax Services
At Tax Accountant, we know tax issues can be really confusing and even scary. That’s why our team of specialist tax consultants, including former HMRC inspectors who know the ins and outs of the system, are ready to help businesses and individuals. If you get a letter from HMRC about a tax investigation – even if it’s just because a tax return was missed or a small mistake was made—you don’t have to face it alone.
HELP WITH HMRC TAX INVESTIGATIONS
Our experts have assisted many clients who didn’t receive proper advice. When you get HMRC letter, call our specialist team. We’ll explain it in plain language and connect you with the right expert. As your local accountants, we’re here to help. With our proactive approach and updates on tax rules, you can trust us to keep you compliant. Let Tax Accountant manage tax investigations so you can focus on what matters.
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Whether you need help with simple tax returns or complex issues, we’ve designed our service to ensure you feel supported, informed, and in control every step of the way.
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Book a consultation with a tax expert to identify any issues and receive the most effective strategy for future compliance.
Appointments can be scheduled online, by phone, or in person with a tax advisor. Contact our office to discuss your needs and next steps.
The values we live by
Honesty guides everything we do. We believe in transparent advice, accurate reporting, and doing what’s right for our clients every time.
We live and breathe tax. Our expert team delivers up-to-date, accurate advice so clients stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
Every client matters. We take time to listen, understand your needs, and deliver personalised tax solutions with care and attention to detail.
OUR SERVICES
Our Practice Areas
We are a team of specialist tax advisors who are delivering expert guidance on tax compliance, international tax, HMRC investigations, business structuring, capital gains, inheritance tax, corporation tax and self assessment services.
We know personal taxes can be overwhelming. With us, your returns are accurate, on time, and tailored to your unique life.
We know running a business is hard enough. Let us handle your business taxes so you can focus on growth with confidence.
We know smart planning makes a difference. Our tax strategies help you stay compliant, save more, and plan for the future.
We know living abroad brings tax challenges. Whether in or out of the UK, we make your expat taxes smooth and stress-free
We know HMRC enquiries can be daunting. Count on us for expert support and peace of mind during your tax investigation.
We know unfair tax bills cause stress. If you disagree with HMRC, we’ll guide your tax appeal with precision and confidence.
We are leading network of qualified accountants, tax advisors and specialist business consultants in United Kingdom
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Your Questions - Our Answers
We are here to help you with any questions you may have
How can I know if HMRC have opened a tax inquiry?
When HMRC opens a tax enquiry, you will receive an official letter. It is often titled “Notice of Enquiry” or “Code of Practice 9” for serious cases. You should read it carefully, as it explains the scope—whether it is a Business Tax Investigation, CGT investigation, PAYE Investigation or VAT Investigation. In addition, HMRC must send this within 12 months of the date you filed the return under review.
Next, the letter will request specific documents. This could include bank statements, sales invoices, payroll records, or details of any overseas income if HMRC suspects undeclared assets. You may also get a questionnaire to complete. Moreover, you might see follow-up letters asking for further clarification. HMRC officers sometimes call this stage a “tax enquiry” or “tax investigation”.
After that, you can check your Personal Tax Account online. If there is an open enquiry, it may be noted under “correspondence”. However, HMRC’s system can lag, so do not rely solely on this. In practice, the opening letter is your strongest proof that an enquiry has begun. As tax advisors and tax Investigation Experts, we recommend that you involve us early. They recognise the formal notices and can explain every requirement without delay.
How far back can HMRC investigate?
HMRC’s standard enquiry window covers the last four tax years. This means they can look at returns filed up to four years ago from the end of the current tax year. For instance, a 2023–24 Self Assessment Tax Return filed by 31 January 2025 can be examined until 5 April 2028.
However, if HMRC suspects careless errors, the period extends to six years. They call this a “careless behaviour” investigation. Moreover, in cases of deliberate tax fraud—such as deliberate concealment of income or offshore assets under the Worldwide Disclosure Facility—HMRC can go back up to twenty years.
In addition, the specific limit depends on the type of enquiry. Similar windows apply for a PAYE or VAT Investigation, but details differ under Customs rules or VAT legislation and COP Investigations. Also, if HMRC issues a discovery assessment for unnotified income, it can sometimes extend beyond standard time limits. Therefore, it is vital to keep records for at least six years and stay prepared and avoid unwelcome surprises.
What does a tax investigation involve?
A tax investigation begins when HMRC serves you with an opening letter. Then, officers ask for supporting records. This includes ledgers, invoices, payroll details, VAT returns or bank statements. They may also request explanations for large items, such as capital gains on business assets.
Next, you submit the documents within a set deadline, often 30 days. HMRC will then review your Self Assessment Tax Return, corporation tax return or VAT return. During a PAYE Investigation, they focus on payroll and workplace benefits. In a CGT investigation, they examine disposals of assets and any relief claimed.
HMRC may interview directors, partners, or you personally, usually in an informal setting, where you can have tax experts present. If discrepancies are found, HMRC issues a closure notice or discovery assessment detailing additional tax owed and penalties. Clear communication is essential, and having tax advisors helps ensure compliance with HMRC’s requests. Ultimately, HMRC provides a final report that confirms any adjustments and the total tax and interest owed. A tax enquiry is a thorough review to ensure your accounts are correct.
What is the role of a Specialist tax accountant in a Tax Investigation?
A Specialist tax accountant acts as your representative. They liaise with HMRC on your behalf, handling every request precisely. Moreover, they know the difference between a simple tax enquiry and a full Business Tax Investigation. This includes PAYE Investigation or VAT Investigation scenarios.
They start by reviewing your records. This ensures that all capital gains on business disposals, dividends and interest are correctly declared. Next, they draft responses to HMRC’s questions. They also organise supporting evidence—like invoices, receipts and contracts. Consequently, your replies are clear and professional.
During interviews, tax Investigation Experts accompany you to challenge unclear HMRC points, safeguard your rights, and negotiate penalties to reduce fines. They guide you through the Worldwide Disclosure Facility for voluntary offshore income disclosure and work toward a resolution with a closure notice. In complex cases, they talk about Time Pay options to make payments easier. This helps reduce stress and prevents any accidental admissions of guilt. They aim to get the best outcome while keeping costs and disruptions low.
Will an accountant be capable of reducing my tax bill and helping me save money?
An expert accountant can spot every legal way to lower your tax bill and help you keep more of your profits. They know which expenses count for Business Tax and can claim reliefs you might miss. For example, you may qualify for relief on business assets or pension contributions. This planning often saves more than the fee you pay.
Accountants can warn you about risks that could trigger a Tax enquiry or even a Business Tax Investigation. If HMRC opens a PAYE Investigation, VAT Investigation or CGT investigation, having accurate records and expert advice makes a big difference. In addition, they can guide you through the Worldwide Disclosure Facility if you need to declare undisclosed offshore income.
At Tax Accountant, our team includes former HMRC inspectors and tax experts who know how to structure your affairs to avoid red flags. We prepare strong documentation and manage all correspondence during inquiries, reducing stress and keeping your business safe. With the right advice from our professional tax advisors, you can cut liabilities, prevent mistakes, and protect yourself during tax reviews, allowing you to save money and focus on growing your business.
Can I deal with HMRC Tax Investigations myself?
You can manage an HMRC tax investigation on your own. HMRC publishes guidance on its website and will treat you fairly if you follow instructions. You will receive the enquiry letter, and then you will gather and send records. After that, you respond to follow-up questions and attend any meetings.
However, investigations can be complex. Mistakes in your responses risk penalties or higher additional tax. For example, a PAYE Investigation may involve intricate payroll rules, while a CGT investigation demands precise calculations of gains and reliefs.
HMRC officers know their technical points well, so without expert support, there’s a risk of misinterpreting requests or missing reliefs. Ex-HMRC inspectors and tax investigation experts have insider knowledge to challenge assumptions and negotiate effectively. While it’s possible to handle this alone, most businesses and individuals prefer professional help. A tax advisor alleviates stress, ensures deadlines are met, and helps achieve the lowest additional tax and penalties.
What are fees for specialist tax services?
Specialist tax services vary in cost depending on complexity. For a straightforward Self-assessment enquiry, fees often start at around £150 to £300 per hour. However, a full Business Tax Investigation or multi-year VAT Investigation can involve higher fees.
Many firms charge £200 to £400 per hour for senior tax investigation experts or ex-HMRC inspectors, while junior staff may charge around £100 per hour. Some offer fixed-fee packages for initial responses, document preparation, and meetings. Due to their added complexity, offshore disclosures under the Worldwide Disclosure Facility typically start at £2,000. Additionally, negotiating penalties or challenging HMRC assessments incurs further costs.
Upfront quotes are standard practice. They outline what is included—such as document review, correspondence with HMRC, interviews and closure notice negotiation. In addition, if a Time to Pay arrangement is needed, there may be a fee to set that up. Ultimately, a clear fee structure helps you budget. Specialist tax advisors will tailor their service to your needs and explain all charges before work begins.
Does your specialist tax services include offshore disclosures?
Yes, we handle offshore disclosures through the Worldwide Disclosure Facility. This facility lets you regularise undeclared foreign income or gains. You notify HMRC of your intention to disclose, then submit a detailed report. Our Ex HMRC inspectors and tax Investigation Experts guide you at every step. First, we identify relevant offshore accounts, investments or assets. Next, we calculate unpaid tax, interest and any penalties due. Then, we prepare the full disclosure dossier, including schedules and supporting evidence.
After submission, HMRC reviews the disclosure. They assess whether the disclosure is “voluntary” and may reduce penalties accordingly. As Business Tax Investigation specialists, we negotiate the best settlement and minimise charges.
Our service handles related inquiries during HMRC’s Business Tax or CGT investigations after an offshore disclosure. We represent you throughout the process for consistency and accuracy. Once HMRC accepts the disclosure, we assist in closing your case and provide a closure notice, allowing you to move forward confidently in your compliance.
Will you also discuss a payment plan with HMRC at the end of an inquiry?
Yes, our service includes negotiating time-to-pay arrangements. If the enquiry results in a substantial tax bill, you may struggle to pay it in one lump sum. In that case, HMRC offers a formal arrangement allowing you to spread payments.
We begin by assessing your cash flow and liabilities. Then, we propose a realistic monthly payment schedule to HMRC. This could cover Corporation Tax, VAT or Self Assessment debts arising from a PAYE Investigation or Business Tax Investigation. If HMRC agrees, they set out terms—often with no additional interest if you keep payments up to date.
In some cases, HMRC may require security or guarantee. We liaise on your behalf to present financial information and negotiate favourable terms. If HMRC initially refuses, we can appeal or revise the proposal. If standard Time to Pay conditions aren’t met, we can explore alternatives like short-term deferral. We aim to secure an affordable plan that allows you to continue trading without financial strain.