HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is carrying out more tax investigations than ever before.

These checks can be random or triggered by discrepancies in your tax returns. Even if everything turns out to be correct, an investigation can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly.

Key focus areas for HMRC include:

  • Inheritance Tax (IHT): HMRC opened 4,171 formal IHT enquiries in 2024–25, up 38% from the previous year. This reflects a growing focus on estates and wealth transfers.
  • VAT Compliance: With VAT revenues exceeding £178 bn, HMRC is intensifying checks under Making Tax Digital, targeting repayment claims and narrowing the VAT gap.

These trends show HMRC’s increasing scrutiny of both personal wealth and business transactions.

Why it matters

Investigations can take months or even years to resolve. Professional fees for handling an enquiry can quickly add up – even if no extra tax is due.

HMRC can review income tax, corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, and more.

Our tax investigation service

We offer a service designed to give you peace of mind. For an annual fee, you’ll be covered for the professional costs of dealing with HMRC enquiries. This includes:

  • Full representation by our experienced team
  • Handling all correspondence and meetings with HMRC
  • Coverage for most HMRC enquiries, including aspect and full investigations

Our specialist team understands the complexity of tax legislation and will work tirelessly to protect your interests.

With our Tax Investigation Service, you can focus on running your business while we handle any enquiries. For more information, click here.