Tax enquiries

Tax enquiries – sometimes called tax investigations – can be the most stressful aspect of the tax system. . Negotiations can be very drawn out – over a year or more – and the result could be a significant, large, unexpected tax bill. Many tax enquiries are concluded by ‘contract settlement’ – a process where HMRC sets out in a letter the amount of money it requires to end the enquiry. You will be invited to sign a copy of the letter and return it to HMRC to complete the ‘contract’. Once you have done this, the time for negotiation is over. You will have to pay the amount specified or face recovery action.

If you are unhappy with the results of the enquiry, you should seek advice before you sign the contract settlement.