HMRC’s new investigation process
HMRC have recently run a pilot on dealing with investigations that originally by passed the accountant acting for them completely, but the new scheme will include the accountant but only after contacting the tax payer first.
HMRC will write to the tax payer first and ask them to respond within 14 days, if they have not responded then the agent (Accountant) will be contacted also by letter and if it can’t get a response from the agent it will go back to the tax payer.
We are very concerned by this process and urge ALL tax payers to contact their accountants immediately upon receipt of ANY correspondence from HMRC, even if the letter states that they must speak to HMRC now.
This process is referred to as the single compliance process and further details can be found at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/single-compliance.htm
Businesses have three weeks to reply to HMRC, however evidence suggests that businesses that involve their Accountant early have a much better chance of resolving any issues efficiently and reducing stress for the business owner.
