HMRC Enquiry, Investigation & Settlement Support
Receiving a letter or call from HMRC can be concerning, particularly where a compliance check, tax enquiry, information request, potential underpayment or penalty is involved.
Our accountants support individuals and businesses with HMRC enquiries and tax investigations by reviewing the correspondence, checking the underlying accounting and tax records, preparing responses and communicating with HMRC where we are authorised to act.
The appropriate response depends on the scope of the enquiry and the facts of the case. Our role is to help establish the correct tax position and manage the accounting and tax aspects of the HMRC process.
Speak to Our HMRC Enquiry Support Team
If HMRC has contacted you, it is important to understand what HMRC is asking for and any deadline that applies. Complete the form below and one of our accountants can review the correspondence, discuss the circumstances and explain how we may be able to support you.
How We Support HMRC Enquiries & Investigations
We support individuals and businesses across the UK with the accounting and tax aspects of HMRC enquiries, investigations and compliance checks.
Our support can include:
- reviewing HMRC correspondence and identifying the scope of the enquiry.
- reviewing relevant accounts, tax returns and supporting records.
- preparing responses and supporting documentation.
- communicating with HMRC where we are formally authorised to act.
- helping respond to information requests.
- reviewing HMRC calculations and proposed adjustments.
- making representations about penalties where the facts and rules support them.
- supporting discussions about settlement or payment arrangements where appropriate.
The outcome of an HMRC enquiry depends on the facts. A compliance check may identify additional tax, confirm that the original position was correct or, in some cases, identify tax that has been overpaid.
HMRC Settlements & Dispute Support
If an HMRC enquiry identifies additional tax, interest or potential penalties, we can help review the figures and the basis on which HMRC has reached its position.
Depending on the circumstances, our support may include:
- reviewing proposed tax adjustments
- preparing relevant calculations and supporting evidence
- making representations about penalties
- supporting disclosures where appropriate
- discussing settlement figures with HMRC
- helping with payment-arrangement discussions where relevant
- supporting the accounting and tax aspects of an HMRC dispute
Where a matter requires legal representation or advice outside our accounting and tax scope, the appropriate legal professional may also be required.
Why Choose Accounting People for HMRC Enquiry Support?
An HMRC enquiry can involve Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, employment taxes or other areas of a person’s or business’s tax affairs. The scope can range from a relatively focused request for information to a wider review of records and tax calculations.
Our accountants can review the underlying accounting records, prepare relevant calculations and documentation, and communicate with HMRC where we are authorised to act. We focus on establishing the facts, responding clearly and helping clients understand each stage of the process.
Our HMRC Enquiry & Settlement Support Includes:
HMRC enquiry notices and information requests
VAT and PAYE enquiry support
HMRC settlement and payment-arrangement discussions
Ongoing HMRC correspondence and representation where authorised
- Experience supporting HMRC enquiries and compliance checks
- Our team includes ACCA-qualified accountants
- Clear explanations of HMRC correspondence and next steps
- Support with accounting records, calculations and responses
- Communication with HMRC where we are authorised to act
- UK-wide support, with in-person meetings available at our Stanmore office








Need Help Responding to HMRC?
If HMRC has contacted you, check what information has been requested and the deadline for responding. We can review the correspondence and help you understand the accounting and tax issues involved.
For wider support with tax returns, Corporation Tax, personal tax and other tax matters, explore our Tax Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
An HMRC compliance check, sometimes called a tax enquiry, is a review of a person’s or business’s tax position. HMRC may check a tax return, accounts, tax calculations, PAYE records or other information to establish whether the correct amount of tax has been paid and the correct allowances or reliefs have been claimed.
HMRC has the right to check whether tax returns are accurate and complete. Its published guidance gives examples of issues that may prompt a compliance check, including figures that appear incorrect, a large VAT repayment claim compared with turnover, or a low amount of declared tax compared with turnover. The reason and scope of a particular check depend on the circumstances.
Some HMRC enquiries can be concluded through assessments, amendments or settlement arrangements, depending on the circumstances. Where additional tax, interest or penalties are proposed, we can review the calculations, provide relevant information and make representations where appropriate. The final outcome is determined by the facts and the applicable tax rules.
Accountants and other appropriately experienced professionals can support taxpayers with HMRC enquiries. Accounting People provides this support through its accountants, including reviewing records and calculations, preparing responses and communicating with HMRC where we are authorised to act. Legal representation may be required for matters outside our accounting and tax scope.
Yes, where the appropriate HMRC authorisation is in place. An authorised accountant can communicate with HMRC and support the client with responses, records and tax calculations. The taxpayer remains responsible for providing accurate information and for their own tax affairs.
The authorisation process depends on the tax or HMRC service involved. In some cases an accountant can send an online authorisation request for you to approve, while other services may use a different online process or an HMRC authorisation form. Your accountant can tell you which method applies to the tax matter concerned.
