Tax Investigation Service
Calm, organised support if HMRC asks difficult questions.
Tax
Calm, prepared support when HMRC opens an enquiry
Calm, organised support if HMRC asks difficult questions.
An HMRC enquiry does not mean you have done anything wrong, but it does require a well organised response. We manage the correspondence, gather the evidence and work methodically to close the investigation while protecting your position and your time.
- HMRC correspondence managed professionally on your behalf.
- Evidence gathering, record organisation, and clear timeline preparation.
- Negotiated settlement support where the facts support a better outcome.
Our approach
How we deliver tax investigation service
Immediate response management
As soon as you receive HMRC correspondence, we take over the communication. We review the scope of the enquiry, assess what is being asked and formulate the appropriate response strategy before any reply is sent.
Evidence gathering and position preparation
We work through the records methodically, gather the evidence that supports your position, identify any issues that need to be addressed proactively and prepare a clear, organised response that reduces the scope for HMRC to widen the enquiry.
Negotiation and resolution
We manage the negotiation with HMRC, respond to follow up requests and where a settlement is required, negotiate the best outcome the facts will support, minimising penalties and interest where the circumstances allow.
Who this is for
Businesses and individuals that need
01
Businesses under a corporation tax or VAT enquiry
Where HMRC has opened a formal enquiry into company accounts, VAT returns or employment taxes and professional representation is needed from the outset.
02
Individuals with a Self Assessment enquiry
Where HMRC has queried a personal tax return, rental income, employment expenses or capital gains and the correspondence is becoming complex or prolonged.
03
Businesses or individuals at penalty risk
Where a disclosure needs to be made to HMRC, whether proactively or in response to a specific request, and where the penalty outcome needs to be managed carefully.
Client feedback
“The enquiry had been open for six months before we instructed Crestfield Advisory. It was closed within eight weeks of them taking over. The reduction in stress alone was worth every penny.”
Client review Self employed professional, Hampshire
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What types of enquiry does HMRC open?
HMRC can open aspect enquiries focused on a specific entry in a return or full enquiries, which examine the entire return. They also open compliance visits and written enquiries for VAT and employer taxes. For more serious investigations, HMRC uses code of practice procedures. We deal with all types.
Should I respond to HMRC directly?
You have the right to respond yourself, but it is rarely advisable. HMRC enquiry officers are trained to expand the scope of an enquiry where responses are incomplete, inconsistent or invite further questions. A professional response, carefully prepared, keeps the enquiry focused on what was originally raised.
How long does an HMRC enquiry take to resolve?
A simple aspect enquiry can be resolved in two to four months with a well prepared response. Full enquiries typically take six to eighteen months. The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues, HMRC's workload and how promptly responses are provided. We manage the pace of the process as far as possible.
What are the penalties if HMRC finds an error?
Penalties for tax errors range from 0% to 200% of the unpaid tax depending on the behaviour involved careless, deliberate or deliberate and concealed and whether disclosure was prompted or unprompted. We work to demonstrate that any errors were careless rather than deliberate, and that disclosure was as full as possible, to minimise the penalty percentage applied.
Ready to take the next step?
Book an introductory meeting to discuss your tax needs with a specialist.