HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can commence an investigation at any time into your tax affairs or those of your business, partnership or company.
Tax affairs are notoriously complicated and it is important to work with experts to ensure the situation is handled efficiently and that you have an effective defence to any accusations of wrongdoing.

Expert legal advice for tax matters

At Taylor Law our team have an in-depth understanding of complex tax law and financial affairs. In the event that you are notified of an investigation into your tax situation, we can work with you to identify exactly what has happened and ensure that you are not charged tax or penalties that are not due.
An investigation could be on a civil or criminal basis. You will be notified of a civil investigation, but not of a criminal one. In any event, as soon as you discover that your affairs are being examined, it is advisable to seek legal advice. We will be able to ensure that the information provided to HMRC is
accurate and that you do not inadvertently damage your case by making an error. We will also represent you at any interview under caution that you are required to give.

Legal representation in a tax investigation

You have a number of rights when dealing with requests and investigations by HMRC. For example, you do not necessarily have to attend an interview if the enquiry has been classed as a civil matter.
Deciding whether it is in your interests to attend the interview and what cooperation to offer should be done in light of expert legal advice.
HMRC also have the right to request certain documentation to support their investigation. It is important to ensure that this is provided, but you should also make sure that you do not inadvertently release other information, potentially triggering more enquiries.

Tax enquiries

There are a number of reasons why HMRC may open a civil investigation, including the following:

• Suspicious figures, for example, fluctuating revenue or consecutive unprofitable years
• Acting on a report from a member of the public
• Inconsistencies in the information provided to HMRC
• Errors in the information submitted
• Random checks or checks on a certain trade or in a certain geographic location

If criminal conduct is suspected, HMRC has issued guidance as to when they will consider institutinga criminal investigation.

HMRC Code 9 enquiries

HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Services may carry out enquiries under Code of Practice 9 (COP9) if they suspect serious fraud.
The COP9 process allows a criminal tax fraud matter to be settled by way of a civil deal. In return for admitting fraudulent conduct and providing full disclosure of the tax fraud you would receive immunity from prosecution. It is essential that you seek legal advice before going ahead with this option to ensure that your interests are protected and that the proper disclosure is made. Failure to fully disclose all matters could still leave you open to prosecution.

Contact us

A tax investigation can be lengthy and disruptive and a negative outcome can result in substantial penalties and/or a criminal conviction. Our tax team can work on your behalf to deal with any enquiry or investigation as quickly as possible to try and resolve matters.
We have an excellent track record of success in working with clients who are being investigated by HMRC. We have expert civil and criminal defence solicitors in Leeds, Middlesbrough and London who can step in immediately to represent you and deal with HMRC investigators on your behalf.

For an initial discussion, ring us on 0113 532 8100 (Leeds), 01642 221 108 (Middlesbrough) or 0203 780 7646 (London) or fill in our Contact Form.