HMRC investigation help when the letter cannot be ignored
Specialist support for individuals, directors, landlords and businesses facing an HMRC investigation, compliance check, disclosure issue, tax penalty or formal tax appeal. We help you understand the risk, organise the evidence and respond to HMRC with a clear strategy.
What is an HMRC tax investigation?
An HMRC tax investigation is a review of whether the right amount of tax has been declared and paid. It may start as a compliance check, a question about one return, a request for records, a nudge letter, a disclosure issue, or a serious enquiry involving suspected deliberate behaviour. The outcome depends on the facts, the tax involved, the quality of records, how the response is prepared and whether penalties can be reduced or appealed.
The right route depends on the HMRC issue
HMRC enquiries can involve different tax risks, deadlines and levels of seriousness. We help you identify the correct route early, so the response is accurate, measured and supported by the right records.
Investigations and compliance checks
Support where HMRC is checking a return, requesting records, questioning figures or using formal information powers.
COP8, COP9 and suspected fraud
Advice where HMRC suspects serious irregularities, complex arrangements, deliberate conduct or tax fraud risk.
Correcting tax before it gets worse
Disclosure support for undeclared income, offshore matters, rental income, company tax errors and other historic issues.
Company and employer tax checks
Representation for company tax, VAT, PAYE, CIS, IR35, director loan accounts, R&D enquiries and employer reviews.
Individuals, landlords and investors
Help with Self Assessment checks, rental income, offshore income, CGT, crypto, dividends, residence and domicile enquiries.
Penalties, appeals and avoidance cases
Advice on HMRC penalties, reasonable excuse, statutory reviews, tribunal routes, DOTAS, APNs, GAAR and scheme enquiries.
Not every HMRC letter means the same thing
Some letters are routine. Others need immediate strategic handling. The key is to identify whether HMRC is asking for clarification, looking at one tax issue, checking several years, considering penalties, or investigating suspected deliberate behaviour.
A calm, structured way to deal with HMRC
HMRC cases should not be handled by emotion or guesswork. We focus on facts, records, tax law, risk control and clear communication.
Review
We review the HMRC letter, tax years, deadlines, tax type, risk level and any immediate action needed.
Analyse
We identify the facts, missing records, likely tax exposure, penalty position and weaknesses before responding.
Prepare
We prepare the response, disclosure, calculations, appeal grounds or settlement strategy using the available evidence.
Resolve
We deal with HMRC correspondence, negotiation, penalty mitigation, review, appeal or closure where required.
Good records make a stronger HMRC response
A tax dispute is not only about explaining what happened. HMRC will usually expect evidence. The quality, consistency and timing of the records can affect tax calculations, penalty behaviour, reasonable excuse arguments and settlement discussions.
Tax returns and computations
Filed returns, schedules, amendments, tax calculations and working papers.
Bank and business records
Statements, invoices, receipts, bookkeeping, VAT records, PAYE and CIS reports.
Property and offshore records
Rental statements, foreign bank interest, overseas income, WDF papers and exchange records.
Correspondence and explanations
HMRC letters, emails, contracts, adviser correspondence and factual timelines.
Specialist tax support for sensitive HMRC situations
HMRC investigation work needs more than form filling. It requires tax technical knowledge, professional judgement, careful communication and an understanding of how evidence, penalties and disclosure behaviour interact.
We support clients who need clear, practical and confidential help with HMRC enquiries, tax disclosures, penalties and disputes.
Our approach is built around facts and records
Some HMRC routes have strict consequences
The official route matters. COP9, voluntary disclosure, information notices, landlord disclosures and appeal deadlines each have different rules and risks. We help you understand the route before you commit to a response.
HMRC investigation FAQs
Clear answers to the questions people usually ask when they receive an HMRC investigation letter or are worried about undeclared income, penalties or a possible disclosure.
Should I reply to HMRC myself?
You can, but it is sensible to take advice first if HMRC is asking for detailed records, several tax years, unexplained income, offshore matters, penalties or deliberate behaviour.
What should I do first after receiving an HMRC letter?
Check the deadline, identify the tax year and tax type, keep a copy of the letter, avoid guessing, and gather records before sending explanations.
Can HMRC ask for bank statements?
HMRC can ask for information and documents where they are reasonably required to check a tax position. The validity depends on the notice and facts.
Can penalties be reduced?
Penalties can sometimes be reduced depending on behaviour, disclosure quality, cooperation, reasonable excuse, special circumstances and evidence.
What if I know tax was missed?
If tax has been omitted, the correct disclosure route should be considered before submitting figures or explanations to HMRC.
Tell us what HMRC has sent you
Use this form to summarise the HMRC investigation, enquiry, disclosure issue or penalty you need help with. Include the deadline, tax years involved and the type of letter received if you know it.
HMRC investigation enquiry
Fields marked with * are recommended so we can understand the issue properly.