VAT, Tax investigations and Back-Duty cases

The frequency of VAT and tax investigations is on the increase. Anybody who is responsible for paying tax can not be unconcerned by this fact. Random detailed enquiries can be carried out even if there is no cause for suspicion of anything being untoward. The Inland Revenue conduct numerous PAYE audits but very rarely contact the agent in advance to let them know an audit is to take place.
If this happens to you then we can guide you through the process to make sure that the VAT or tax investigation is carried out in a correct and proper manner. We will negotiate directly with the Inland Revenue to make sure that any tax, interest or penalties imposed are kept to an absolute minimum.

Resolving tax disputes is our speciality. We are experts at dealing with the Inland Revenue and Customs & Excise when investigations are carried out in these areas:

• Tax self assessment enquiries for individuals, partnerships and companies

• Local tax office enquiries for pre-self assessment

• Special investigations into non compliance

• PAYE enquiries and PAYE audits

• Enquiries concerning VAT

• Disputes about tax between the Inland Revenue and the taxpayers.

Recently, the Inland Revenue has been employing more and more investigators to "get tough" with non-compliance. In addition they have been using a ‘mentor’ scheme where local tax office staff are trained in the investigation techniques used by the specialists. Investigation work, we believe, will definitely increase and there have been numerous public announcements by the Board of the Inland Revenue to back up this opinion.

The reliability and sheer amount of resources of intelligence available to the tax office is increasing all the time, as is the investigative power available to the Inland Revenue.

Tax investigations are already a particularly difficult time for any taxpayer and these forceful factors only add to the pain and stress of the whole situation. The Government now provides hundreds of millions of pounds of funding each year, to facilitate tax investigations.

We have great success in VAT back duty cases, so do not hesitate to get in touch for a free initial consultation if you have any worries about your tax or VAT affairs.