Tax Investigation Support for UK Taxpayers Facing an HMRC Enquiry
An HMRC investigation letter is stressful, but how you respond in the first few days shapes the entire outcome. ABM Chartered Accountants manages your enquiry from the opening letter to final settlement, protecting your position and minimising penalties at every stage.
Professional Representation When HMRC Comes Calling
A tax investigation can be triggered by discrepancies on your return, a random selection, or data flagged by HMRC’s Connect system. Whatever the reason, you need professional support from the moment the letter arrives. ABM Chartered Accountants handles all correspondence, gathers the right evidence, negotiates on your behalf, and works to close the enquiry as favourably as possible.
Our ICAEW and ACCA qualified accountants deal with aspect enquiries, full enquiries, VAT compliance checks, PAYE reviews, and employer compliance visits. We respond to HMRC information requests, attend interviews with you, negotiate penalty reductions, and where appropriate make voluntary disclosures that reduce your exposure before HMRC finds the issue itself.
What Our Tax Investigation Support Covers
From responding to the opening letter to settling the case, here is how ABM Chartered Accountants protects your interests throughout an HMRC tax investigation.
HMRC Enquiry Response
Responding to HMRC's opening letter and managing all communication throughout the enquiry process.
Compliance Check Management
Handling aspect enquiries, full enquiries, and VAT compliance checks from start to conclusion.
Penalty Negotiation
Negotiating with HMRC to reduce penalties by demonstrating cooperation and quality of disclosure.
Voluntary Disclosure
Making a voluntary disclosure to HMRC before they find errors to minimise penalties and risk.
Interview Representation
Attending HMRC meetings and interviews with you to protect your position and present your case.
Investigation Resolution
Working toward settlement, closure, or appeal to bring your investigation to the best outcome.
The Right Response Makes All the Difference
HMRC is opening more investigations than ever. In the last reported quarter alone, over 93,000 cases were opened, backed by 1.4 billion pounds of additional government funding for compliance activity. How you respond determines whether the enquiry closes quickly with minimal cost or escalates into a lengthy and expensive process. ABM Chartered Accountants gets the response right.
Penalties are not fixed. They range from zero percent for innocent errors to 100 percent of the tax due for deliberate concealment. The percentage depends on the behaviour, the timing and quality of your disclosure, and your level of cooperation. We negotiate every penalty to the lowest defensible position.
Tax Investigation Support for Taxpayers Right Across the UK
Based in Canary Wharf, London, ABM Chartered Accountants provides tax investigation support to individuals and businesses throughout the UK. We deal with HMRC offices nationwide on your behalf.
Investigation Support for Every Type of Taxpayer
We support sole traders, company directors, landlords, partnerships, contractors, and limited companies through HMRC investigations covering income tax, corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, and CIS compliance issues.
Why Taxpayers Choose ABM for Investigations
Chartered Investigation Specialists
ICAEW and ACCA qualified managing your HMRC enquiry.
Penalties Minimised
Every penalty negotiated to the lowest defensible position.
Full Representation Throughout
All HMRC correspondence handled entirely on your behalf.
How We Work
Initial Consultation
Set Up and Onboard
Ongoing Support
We provide regular reviews and proactive advice to keep your finances optimised and HMRC-compliant.
Get in Touch Today
Whether you need help with your tax return, payroll, VAT, or business advisory, our qualified UK accountants are ready to provide clear, practical guidance for your specific needs.
Book a Consultation
Fill in the form below and one of our expert accountants will contact you promptly to discuss your accounting and tax requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the tax investigation questions we hear most often. Contact our team for confidential guidance.
What triggers an HMRC tax investigation?
Investigations can be triggered by discrepancies on your return, figures that look unusual compared to industry benchmarks, data from HMRC’s Connect system, third-party information, random selection, or tip-offs. HMRC also runs targeted campaigns in specific sectors. ABM Chartered Accountants advises you on why you may have been selected.
What is the difference between an aspect and full enquiry?
An aspect enquiry focuses on one specific area of your return, such as a particular expense claim or income source. A full enquiry is a comprehensive review of your entire tax position. Aspect enquiries typically take three to six months. Full enquiries can take 12 to 18 months or longer.
How long does HMRC have to open an investigation?
HMRC has 12 months from the filing date to open an enquiry into a self assessment return. For careless errors, they can go back four years. For deliberate errors, the limit extends to six years, or 20 years if there is evidence of deliberate concealment involving offshore income.
Can you reduce the penalties?
Yes. Penalties are calculated based on behaviour and the quality of disclosure. If you cooperate fully, disclose voluntarily, and provide HMRC with the information they need promptly, the penalty can be significantly reduced. ABM Chartered Accountants negotiates penalty reductions based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Should I make a voluntary disclosure?
If you know there are errors in your returns, making a voluntary disclosure before HMRC contacts you usually results in lower penalties. It also demonstrates cooperation, which HMRC takes into account. ABM Chartered Accountants advises whether a disclosure is appropriate and manages the process for you.
How much does tax investigation support cost?
Fees depend on the type and complexity of the investigation. We offer fixed-fee and staged-fee arrangements so you know the cost in advance. Tax investigation insurance can also cover professional fees. Contact ABM Chartered Accountants for a confidential discussion about your situation.