Tax investigation & HMRC enquiry specialists
From a routine compliance check to a full Code of Practice 9 investigation into suspected serious fraud, we deal with HMRC directly on your behalf — so you're never reading between the lines of an HMRC letter on your own.
Whatever HMRC has opened, we've handled it before
Code of Practice 8 (COP8)
Used where HMRC suspects avoidance or an underpaid liability, but not fraud. We review HMRC's position, challenge it where it's wrong, and negotiate a fair settlement where it isn't.
Code of Practice 9 & the CDF
Issued where HMRC suspects serious fraud. The Contractual Disclosure Facility offers immunity from criminal prosecution in return for a full, accurate disclosure — getting this right matters enormously.
VAT & PAYE compliance checks
Routine and in-depth compliance visits, cross-tax enquiries and disputes over VAT assessments or PAYE/NIC liabilities.
Random & aspect enquiries
Section 9A enquiries into a specific entry, or a full review of a self-assessment or corporation tax return.
Worldwide Disclosure Facility
Voluntary disclosure of undeclared offshore income or gains, ahead of HMRC's own data-matching catching up with you.
Let Property Campaign
Bringing undeclared rental income up to date voluntarily, on the most favourable terms available.
What happens after you call us
Confidential initial review
We look at the letter HMRC has sent, understand what triggered it, and give you a candid assessment of the position and the options available — before anything is signed or sent.
We become your point of contact with HMRC
Correspondence is redirected through us. You're kept informed at every stage, but you're no longer the one drafting replies to a tax inspector.
Gathering the facts & preparing a response
Where a formal disclosure is required, we work through the figures methodically so what's submitted to HMRC is accurate and defensible from the outset.
Negotiating settlement
Most enquiries end in a negotiated financial settlement covering tax, interest and penalties — we push for the lowest figure the facts and behaviour genuinely support.
Closure & moving forward
Once matters are settled, we help put safeguards in place so the same issue doesn't resurface at your next return.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I receive a letter from HMRC?
Don't ignore it, and don't reply to HMRC before taking advice — the wording of your first response can shape the whole enquiry. Call us as soon as you receive it; most letters give a deadline, and there's usually time to get this right if you act promptly.
What's the difference between COP8 and COP9?
COP8 applies where avoidance or an underpayment is suspected, without an allegation of fraud. COP9 is used where HMRC suspects serious fraud, and comes with the Contractual Disclosure Facility, offering immunity from prosecution for a complete, accurate disclosure.
Will I be prosecuted?
The large majority of investigations are resolved by financial settlement rather than prosecution. Cooperating fully and taking advice early materially reduces that risk.
How long does an investigation take?
A simple compliance check can close in a few weeks. A full COP9 investigation more commonly runs several months to over a year, depending on complexity.
Can I disclose something before HMRC contacts me?
Yes — coming forward voluntarily, for example via the Worldwide Disclosure Facility or Let Property Campaign, generally results in lower penalties than waiting to be found.
Do you only act for people already under investigation?
No. We also advise before anything has gone wrong — reviewing a position, making a voluntary disclosure, or simply putting your mind at rest.
The information on this page is general guidance on HMRC processes, not advice on your specific circumstances. Please contact us before taking any action in response to an HMRC letter.