HMRC Tax Investigation Solicitors

Twelve Tabulae assists with criminal tax investigations

When it comes to tax matters, ensuring that you have the right legal support is crucial. HMRC Tax Investigations can be a daunting experience for individuals and businesses alike. The constant looming risks of significant assessments or potential prosecution can profoundly impact both your livelihood and your well-being.

This is where a specialist tax solicitor such as Simon Caltagirone, Head of White Collar Crime and Corporate Disputes, can make all the difference. He specialises in tax law and related matters, providing expert legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses facing tax-related issues, including tax investigations.

What does an HMRC tax investigation involve?

HMRC Tax Investigations are a formal process where HM Revenue & Customs reviews a taxpayer’s financial tax records to ensure that the correct amount of tax has been paid. If discrepancies or errors are found resulting in unpaid tax, HMRC collaborates with the taxpayer and their advisers to determine the accurate tax liability and assess whether financial penalties should be imposed.

HMRC has the authority to investigate the tax affairs of any individual or business. This often involves examining previously submitted tax returns and VAT returns within a specific period, but even individuals or businesses that haven’t filed returns may face investigation if HMRC suspects undeclared income.

HMRC Tax Investigation Solicitors

Twelve Tabulae’s tax investigation specialists possess a deep understanding of HMRC’s operational methods, and our extensive experience and expertise empowers us to proactively manage an investigation, progressing at a pace that aligns with your preferences.

Irrespective of the nature of the HMRC investigation at hand, seeking early counsel is of utmost importance, and we stand ready to offer our assistance, often accompanied by fixed fee arrangements to provide you with a sense of security.

What does a tax solicitor do? Here are some of the key roles and responsibilities of a tax solicitor:

• Legal Advice: Tax solicitors provide legal advice to clients on various tax matters, including compliance with tax laws, tax planning, and tax dispute resolution.
• Representation: Representing clients during tax investigations, audits, and negotiations with HMRC, tax investigation solicitors ensure that clients’ rights are protected and that they receive fair treatment throughout the process.
• Penalty Dispute Resolution: In cases where clients have been penalised for tax fraud or evasion, tax investigation solicitors work to negotiate reduced penalties or challenge the penalties imposed by HMRC.
• Criminal Defence: In cases of serious tax fraud or evasion allegations that could lead to criminal charges, tax solicitors provide a strong legal defence to protect their clients’ interests.

What triggers an HMRC tax investigation?

Tax investigations by HMRC can happen to individuals and businesses for various reasons. While the likelihood of being investigated varies, it’s essential to be prepared and have a trusted tax solicitor by your side in case it does occur. Here are some common reasons that may trigger a tax investigation:

• Random Check Selection: In some cases, HMRC may select individuals or businesses for investigation randomly as part of their compliance checks.
• Inconsistencies in Tax Returns: Discrepancies or inconsistencies in tax returns, whether accidental or deliberate, can attract HMRC’s attention.
• Anonymous Tips: HMRC may receive anonymous tips or information about potential tax fraud or evasion, prompting them to launch an investigation.
• Industry-Specific Risk: Some industries are considered higher risk for tax evasion or fraud, leading to increased scrutiny. For example, businesses involved in cash transactions or international trade may face a higher risk of investigation.
• Significant Changes: If you make significant changes in your financial affairs or business tax affairs, such as selling a valuable asset or starting a new business, HMRC may investigate to ensure accurate reporting.

How do you know if HMRC are investigating you?

Typically, the initial indication that a tax investigation has been launched comes through a formal enquiry letter from HMRC, often accompanied by a request for specific details. The scope of the information HMRC seeks will vary based on the potential risks they have identified.

These early compliance reviews by HMRC can create considerable disruption and anxiety for both individuals and companies. By seeking the assistance of a tax investigation expert, you can focus on managing and expanding your business while allowing the specialist to handle interactions with HMRC, helping to resolve the matter more efficiently.

What powers does HMRC have during an investigation?

In addition to requesting documents and information, HMRC has criminal investigation powers akin to those of other law enforcement bodies in the UK, though these powers are limited to tax-related offences.

HMRC can obtain and execute search warrants, carry out interviews under caution, arrest individuals, and search the premises of those under investigation. They also have the ability to apply for and enforce court orders in pursuit of evidence.

How long does an HMRC tax investigation take?

The duration of an HMRC tax investigation can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and the type of investigation being conducted. Simple investigations, such as compliance checks or reviews of a single tax return, might be resolved in a few months. However, more complex investigations, particularly those involving suspected fraud or multiple years of financial records, can take much longer, sometimes extending to several years.

The speed of resolution also depends on how quickly the taxpayer responds to HMRC’s fraud investigation services requests for information and whether additional issues are uncovered during the investigation. In general, straightforward cases tend to be concluded more quickly, while investigations involving more detailed scrutiny or legal action will take longer.

How far back will HMRC investigate my business tax history?

In most cases, HMRC will review up to 4 years of past tax returns during a standard investigation. However, if they find evidence of carelessness or repeated mistakes in your filings, they may extend the review to 6 years. If HMRC suspects intentional tax evasion, they could investigate up to 20 years of your financial history.

What’s the maximum I might have to pay?

The amount you could owe will vary depending on the specifics of your case. The final sum, including tax, penalties, and interest, depends on whether HMRC considers your actions careless or deliberate, as well as whether UK or offshore activities are involved.

How likely is it that I’ll face prison time?

Most HMRC investigations are handled through civil procedures, meaning they aim for financial settlements rather than criminal charges. However, in more serious cases involving suspected criminal activity, a criminal tax investigation could lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment.

Why Choose Twelve Tabulae as Your Tax Investigation Solicitors?

While nobody wants to undergo a tax investigation, being proactive and seeking expert legal advice early can make a substantial difference in the outcome. Twelve Tabulae specialises in tax investigation cases, making us experts in this field.

Specialist Tax Investigation Solicitors
Our team of dedicated professionals has a deep understanding of tax laws, regulations, and the intricacies of tax investigations by HMRC. This specialisation ensures that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date advice and representation. Our team acts as a buffer between you and often aggressive tax investigators, helping to alleviate the stress of direct interactions with HMRC.

Proven Track Record
When facing a tax investigation, you want a firm with a track record of success in similar corporate conflict cases. Twelve Tabulae has a history of achieving favourable outcomes for clients, whether it involves penalty dispute resolution, criminal investigations, or civil tax investigations. Our expertise speaks for itself. By enlisting our help, you can focus on other priorities, knowing that your tax investigation is being managed professionally and effectively.

Penalty Dispute Resolution
We work to ensure that you don’t pay more than what you are legally obligated to in terms of taxes, interest, and penalties for tax fraud, providing you with peace of mind. We are skilled at negotiating with HMRC to reduce penalties and resolve disputes in your favour. We have a deep knowledge of penalty mitigation strategies.

Criminal Defence Expertise
In cases where a tax investigation escalates into a criminal matter, you need a solicitor with extensive experience in criminal defence. Twelve Tabulae has the expertise to mount a strong legal defence and protect your rights throughout the criminal investigation process.

Comprehensive Services
Twelve Tabulae doesn’t just handle HMRC Tax Investigations; we also assist with VAT fraud, business tax matters, and other tax-related issues. This comprehensive approach means you can rely on us for a wide range of tax-related legal services.

Contact Simon Caltagirone Regarding Your Tax Investigation

Facing an HMRC Tax Investigation can be a stressful and challenging experience. Through our proactive approach, we offer guidance and assistance to all the clients we represent during what may prove to be a challenging period.

By taking charge of the disclosure process and handling interactions with HMRC on your behalf, we will compile a comprehensive disclosure report and engage in negotiations to settle the enquiry to help you reach the end of the process with minimum disruption.

When it comes to protecting your interests and resolving tax-related issues, choosing Simon Caltagirone as your specialist HMRC tax investigation solicitor is a decision that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Don’t wait until you’re facing an investigation—seek expert advice and assistance from Simon Caltagirone, Head of White Collar Crime and Corporate Disputes, today. Your financial future may depend on it. Contact us.