Tax Investigation Service
Protect your business from the professional costs of an HMRC enquiry
An HMRC enquiry can happen even when you are confident that your tax affairs are in order. If HMRC contacts you, the time required to prepare information, respond to questions and manage the enquiry can lead to significant professional fees.
HWB’s Tax Investigation Service gives you the reassurance that our professional fees for representing you are covered up to £100,000 per claim, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Protect yourself before an enquiry begins
Speak to the HWB team about joining the Tax Investigation Service
Why consider fee protection?
You may think that an HMRC investigation is unlikely, particularly if your returns are accurate and submitted on time. However, enquiries and compliance checks are not limited to businesses or individuals who have done something wrong.
Even where an enquiry ends with no additional tax to pay, there can still be substantial work involved in dealing with HMRC. Without fee protection, you would normally be responsible for the professional fees arising from that work.
With the service in place, HWB can manage the enquiry and claim eligible professional costs under the policy, allowing you to focus on your business and personal affairs.
What the service gives you
- Professional representation from the HWB team, who already understand your affairs.
- Cover for eligible professional fees up to £100,000 per claim.
- Reassurance that an unexpected HMRC enquiry does not also create an unexpected accountancy bill.
- Support with correspondence, information requests and the management of the enquiry.
- A clear point of contact throughout the process.
Being compliant does not remove the risk
HMRC may review a return or open a compliance check for a variety of reasons. A request for information does not necessarily mean that HMRC believes anything is wrong. However, responding properly and presenting the relevant evidence can still take considerable professional time.
Once HMRC has started an enquiry or compliance check, it is too late to arrange cover for that matter. Protection needs to be in place beforehand, subject to the policy terms.
Examples of areas covered
Depending on the policy terms and your circumstances, the service may provide cover for professional fees arising from matters including:
- Corporation Tax and Income Tax enquiries
- VAT compliance checks and certain disputes
- PAYE and National Insurance compliance checks
- IR35, employment status and CIS enquiries
- Code of Practice 8 investigations, where the policy conditions are met
- Inheritance Tax and probate return enquiries
- Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Land Tax enquiries
- National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage enquiries
- Certain Companies House confirmation statement enquiries
- Certain auto-enrolment return enquiries where HWB has been engaged
This is a summary only. Cover is subject to the full policy wording, conditions, limits and exclusions.
With and without fee protection
| Without fee protection | With HWB fee protection |
| You are responsible for HWB’s professional fees | Eligible professional fees are claimed under the policy |
| An enquiry may create an unexpected cost | A known annual subscription provides greater cost certainty |
| Concern about the time and cost of responding | HWB manages the enquiry and keeps you informed |
| You carry the financial risk if HMRC selects your affairs | Cover of up to £100,000 per claim, subject to policy terms |
How the service works
1. Join before an enquiry begins
Subscribe to the service and select the appropriate client category and level of cover.
2. Tell HWB promptly
If HMRC contacts you, send the correspondence to us straight away and avoid responding without first speaking to the HWB team.
3. We manage the enquiry
Where the matter is accepted under the policy, we deal with HMRC, prepare responses and represent you throughout the enquiry.
4. Eligible fees are claimed
We claim eligible professional fees through our fee protection partner, subject to the policy limit, terms and exclusions.
Frequently asked questions
I have done nothing wrong. Why do I need this service?
An HMRC enquiry can still require detailed responses, supporting records and professional representation. Even if no additional tax is ultimately due, the cost of dealing with the enquiry may not otherwise be covered.
What does the service pay for?
The service is intended to cover eligible professional fees incurred by HWB in representing you during an HMRC enquiry or other covered matter. It does not pay additional tax, interest or penalties that may become due.
Is every HMRC matter covered?
No. Cover is subject to the full policy terms, conditions and exclusions. Matters that began before you joined the service are not covered, and other exclusions may apply.
Does the service cover both businesses and individuals?
The service is available across a range of client categories. We can confirm the appropriate category, premium and scope of cover for your circumstances.
What should I do if HMRC contacts me?
Send the correspondence to HWB as soon as possible. We will review it, explain the next steps and confirm whether the matter can be notified under the service.
How much does it cost?
The annual cost depends on your client category and circumstances with prices starting from £110+VAT per annum.
Protect yourself before HMRC contacts you
An HMRC enquiry can be time-consuming, stressful and expensive to manage. For a known annual cost, HWB’s Tax Investigation Service provides professional support and protection against eligible fees of up to £100,000 per claim, subject to the policy terms.
If you would like to join, or would like help identifying the correct category of cover, please contact us:
james.alesbury@hwb-accountants.com or call 023 8046 1222.
Alternatively, click below to request a free consultation to discuss your business needs with our experienced accountancy team.
The HWBulletin
Our HWBulletins cover a range of subjects, including some of the services that we offer and an update of the recent changes that have, or will take place.
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