FAQs 1. Why are they picking on me? Some returns are selected on a random basis. Some are selected as part of a review of certain businesses. But most are selected by a computerised risk process that examines the returns and accounts to identify cases where the information does not tally with that held by HMRC on its database.
2. What happens first? The Inspector will ask to see all your business books and records and will ask you to explain any of the entries in your accounts he is not sure of but I will examine your records first before they are sent and reply to his enquiries.
3. Will the Inspector ask to see me? This is what Inspectors are told and trained to do because it is their best chance of tripping you up .So I have the meeting with you instead of the Inspector and I ask you all the questions about your business that that the Inspector would ask . But I am on your side. After our meeting , I submit a report to the Inspector so that there is usually no need for a meeting and any further enquires will be limited to specifics which can be dealt with by correspondence .
4. How long does a tax enquiry take? Obviously this depends on the size and complexity of the business but my promise is that everything that lands on my desk is dealt with in seven days. The rest is up to you and the Inspector but I will do my best to make sure that the Inspector gets what he needs as quickly as possible and that the Inspector does not sit on it for too long before doing something about it.
5. How is the enquiry settled? In most cases where the Inspector finds something wrong with the accounts and returns and there is additional tax to pay, the settlement will include the tax plus interest on the tax plus a penalty. The settlement is usually paid in one sum which closes the enquiry but where this is not financially possible then payment by installments can be arranged.
6. What support will I get? I will deal directly with the Inspector on your behalf and I will always be available to see you or talk over the phone whenever you want. I will also negotiate the best possible settlement for you and ensure that if any financial penalty is due that it will be as low as possible and that if payment is a problem that you get the best possible installment arrangement. If there is nothing wrong with your accounts then I will fight your corner to convince the Inspector.