“An HMRC enquiry can be stressful and time-consuming, even when you’ve done nothing wrong. With expert representation, the process becomes manageable and controlled. At Holland & Co, we protect your interests from the first HMRC letter to the final resolution — giving you complete peace of mind.”

— Nigel Holland, Principal, Holland & Co Chartered Accountants

HMRC Enquiry Protection

Protecting You and Your Business from the Cost and Stress of an HMRC Enquiry

An HMRC enquiry can happen to any individual or business — even when everything has been reported correctly. Enquiries are becoming more frequent as HMRC increasingly uses advanced data analytics and cross-referencing tools to identify potential discrepancies.

At Holland & Co Chartered Accountants, we provide expert representation and peace of mind through our Enquiry Fee Protection Service, ensuring you are fully supported if HMRC launches an investigation into your tax affairs.

Types of HMRC Enquiries

HMRC operates several types of enquiries, each with varying depth and complexity. Understanding these helps clarify the potential scope and impact of an investigation:

Random Enquiries
Chosen entirely at random, these checks can affect any taxpayer regardless of the size, type, or accuracy of their business records.

Aspect Enquiries
These focus on a specific part of your return — for example, the treatment of expenses, VAT claims, or capital allowances.

Full Enquiries
A detailed review of your entire return, often requiring extensive documentation and potentially involving meetings with HMRC officers.

Cross-Tax Enquiries
Cover multiple tax areas simultaneously, such as Corporation Tax, PAYE, and VAT, to ensure consistency across all filings.

Employer Compliance Reviews
Concentrate on PAYE, National Insurance contributions, benefits in kind, and expense claims.

VAT Inspections
May be desk-based or involve a site visit to review VAT returns, invoices, and underlying accounting records.

Discovery Assessments
Issued outside normal enquiry time limits when HMRC believes tax has been underpaid or information withheld.

Fraud Investigations (COP8/COP9)
Serious cases managed by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, which may lead to civil settlements or, in extreme cases, criminal proceedings.

Why HMRC Enquiries Happen

HMRC enquiries are usually triggered by one or more of the following factors:

• • Data mismatches identified by HMRC’s Connect system, which analyses millions of data points from banks, Land Registry, DVLA, and overseas authorities.

  • Unusual financial ratios or anomalies in submitted returns.

  • Third-party information, whistleblowing, or tip-offs.

  • Industry benchmarks highlighting inconsistencies.

  • Random selection as part of HMRC’s compliance programme.

Even straightforward checks can evolve into time-consuming and complex matters involving extensive correspondence, evidence gathering, and representation.

Enquiry Fee Protection – £200 + VAT per Year

Responding effectively to an HMRC enquiry requires professional time, careful communication, and detailed documentation. Our Enquiry Fee Protection Service removes the financial burden of representation, allowing us to act quickly and efficiently on your behalf.

For £200 + VAT per year, this service covers our professional fees if HMRC opens an enquiry into your tax affairs. It ensures you receive full representation without unexpected additional costs.

With Enquiry Fee Protection in place, we will:

• • Respond promptly to HMRC correspondence to prevent escalation.

  • Handle all communication and meetings with HMRC on your behalf.

  • Defend your position robustly, supported by accurate documentation and legal interpretation.

  • Negotiate settlements, where applicable, to minimise potential tax liabilities and penalties.

  • Keep you informed throughout the process with clear updates and advice.

The Benefits of Enquiry Fee Protection

• • Peace of mind knowing expert representation is in place.

  • No unexpected professional costs during an enquiry.

  • Faster, more confident handling of HMRC communication.

  • Assurance that your affairs are managed by experienced professionals familiar with HMRC processes.

  • Protection for both individuals and companies across all tax areas, including Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, and Capital Gains Tax.

Protect Yourself Today

HMRC enquiries can occur at any time — even for fully compliant taxpayers. Being prepared is the best form of protection. With Holland & Co’s Enquiry Fee Protection, you have experienced professionals ready to act immediately, manage the entire process, and safeguard your interests.

Contact us today to arrange cover and enjoy peace of mind that your business and personal tax affairs are protected.

Tel: 0151 420 6666
Email: nigel@hollandandcompany.co.uk
Address: Holland & Co Chartered Accountants, 102 Widnes Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 6AX