Tax Investigation Support for Accountants
When a client's tax affairs turn into an HMRC investigation or dispute, we handle the specialist work and you continue to act for the client.
Investigation work is different from compliance work. It runs to HMRC's timetable, turns on procedure and can occupy a disproportionate share of a general practice's time.
TaxResolve works with accountants in practice whose clients are facing an enquiry outside the firm's normal area of work. We can take on the matter in full, or advise in the background while your firm remains the point of contact with HMRC.
When firms bring us in
- A client has received a COP9 or COP8 letter
- A routine compliance check has widened in scope
- HMRC is alleging deliberate behaviour
- A disclosure covering several years is needed
- Offshore income or assets have come to light
- A penalty or assessment needs to be challenged
- The matter is heading toward review or tribunal
- The enquiry touches the firm's own earlier work
How working together works
We work alongside existing advisers, not in place of them.
You keep the client
TaxResolve deals with the investigation or dispute. Accounts, returns and day-to-day advice stay with your firm.
A defined scope
What we are handling, and what remains with you, is agreed at the start so nothing is duplicated or missed.
You stay informed
With the client's agreement, you are kept up to date on correspondence, strategy and progress.
Your records matter
Your knowledge of the client and the working papers behind the returns are often central to establishing the position.
What happens after you refer a matter
1. Uncertainty
Review
We review the HMRC correspondence and the background to your case.
2. Control
Establish the position
We identify the relevant facts, tax issues, records, potential exposure and areas requiring further investigation.
3. Strategy
Set the strategy
We agree a clear approach to correspondence, disclosure, evidence and engagement with HMRC.
4. Representation
Represent
Where appointed to do so, we manage the tax and accounting aspects of the enquiry and communicate with HMRC.
5. Resolution
Resolve
We work toward an appropriate conclusion and help address any underlying tax or accounting issues identified during the case.
Referring a client
Use the case review form and choose "I am the accountant or adviser". Tell us what HMRC has sent, the taxes and years involved and any deadline. Please do not include client-identifying details until we have confirmed how they should be shared.
Formal engagement, and any authority to deal with HMRC, is always agreed with the client directly.
Discuss a Client MatterA client facing an HMRC investigation?
Bring in specialist support early and keep the client relationship where it is.