HMRC Enquiries: What To Do When They Get In Touch!
The most important thing is not to panic ...
Posted by Helen Beaumont on 20/07/2022 @ 8:00AM
I don't think anyone looks forward to a conversation with HMRC as long-hold times and ongoing enquiries are both inconvenient and stressful. In reality though, there's nothing usually to worry about ...
If you are subject to an HMRC enquiry, don't panic and deal with it in a timely manner!
So, how do you emerge unscathed from an HMRC enquiry? Well, the first thing to note is that they're not running a witch hunt, and they're not out to get you.
In most cases:
they just want to be sure that you're up to date with the returns you're supposed to submit
they want to be certain you're paying the right amount of tax (you could be paying too much!)
if you're not up to date with paperwork or payments, they want to help get it sorted in a manner that's right for you
and if you're not communicating with them, they want to know why
There are a few good reasons as to why HMRC will open an enquiry about you. If you've submitted tax returns before and haven't for a number of years, and if you're submitting tax returns, but the amount of tax you owe is growing year on year.
In most cases, this can all be sorted out with a phone call. Returns can be submitted, and payment plans can be created. They'll either write to you or email you, and if you don't contact them after that, then they will call you.
"It's only after all this that you may get a visit from a tax inspector!"
Of course, it's always a good idea to deal with whatever issue HMRC has with you immediately. Get it sorted and out of the way, and you can forget about it. This is where your accountant or tax adviser can help you by dealing with them directly for you.
Just don't panic if you get a knock on the door. Yes, you should have dealt with the issue sooner, but tax inspectors aren't ogres, and they genuinely want to help you.
Have good records, be honest with them and deal with the issue in a timely manner. Be friendly and professional and never ignore HMRC, especially if a tax inspector is involved.
The most common outcome from an HMRC enquiry is that you emerge from it with a plan that you both agree to. If you're behind on your paperwork, then you can speak to your accountant and get all of your returns done quickly.
"If you're behind with your tax payments, then they'll work out a payment plan that's right for you!"
It's when you try to deceive HMRC or conceal something from them that their focus on you becomes more intense, which could mean you end up at a tribunal, in court ... or worse.
My advice is always to speak to your accountant or tax adviser as soon as HMRC contact you and get the issue sorted as quickly as possible.
Until next time ...
HELEN BEAUMONT
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01908 774323 and let's see how I can help you.
Helen brings the personal tax planning experience of the top 20 tax companies to Essendon. Formerly of MacIntyre Hudson (with 45 offices nationwide), Helen worked at Chancery for more than 10 years before joining Essendon as the personal tax specialist.
Tax Planning can make a considerable difference to your tax liability. Helen has specialist knowledge and experience in tax planning and uses every opportunity to minimise your tax bill is utilised. By analysing your investments, income, profit and expenditures, Helen will provide strategic tax planning expertise that could offer significant savings, whilst delivering clear, honest advice and guidance.
When Helen is not at Essendon she spends time with her young son and likes going on long walks with the family dog.
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