How HCA can help
Enquiries into tax returns
Help when HMRC opens an enquiry into one of your tax returns. This is often called a compliance check.
VAT inspections
Help getting ready for a VAT visit or inspection, and with what HMRC asks for during and after the visit.
PAYE and employer compliance checks
Support when HMRC reviews your payroll records and the expenses and benefits you give employees.
Telling HMRC about undeclared income
If income was left off past returns, we can help you put it right with a voluntary disclosure. HMRC says penalties will usually be lower if you make a voluntary disclosure.
If you’ve had a letter
- Don’t ignore it. Keep the letter and anything that came with it.
- Note the deadline. Write down any date HMRC gives for a reply or for sending records.
- Don’t reply in a hurry. Take time to understand what HMRC is asking before you answer, while keeping to the deadline.
- Send it to HCA. Tell us you’ve had a letter and when the deadline is, and we’ll arrange how to see it.
What happens
- You send us the letter. Get in touch through the enquiry form or by phone, and we’ll arrange how you send it to us.
- We explain it. We go through what HMRC is checking, the records it wants and the deadline.
- You authorise HCA. You can authorise us online or by signing HMRC’s form 64-8, depending on the tax. We’ll tell you which one you need and help you with it. HMRC also has a temporary authorisation form that covers just the check.
- We deal with HMRC until the check closes. Once we’re authorised, HMRC can deal with us about the check. It may still contact you directly about some things, so pass on anything you get from HMRC. We work with you on the replies and the records HMRC asks for.
Getting started
Tell us what kind of letter you’ve had, which tax it’s about and the deadline it gives. Please leave tax references out of the first message and don’t attach the letter yet. We’ll arrange how to see it.
Dealing with an HMRC check is a separate service from your regular accounts and tax work, and it’s quoted separately. We’ll agree the scope and the quote with you before work begins.
Common questions
My check has already started. Can you still help?
Yes. HCA takes on people whose HMRC check is already under way, whether you’ve been dealing with it yourself or with another adviser. Tell us where things are up to and when your next reply is due, and we’ll arrange how to see the letters you’ve had so far.
Which kinds of HMRC check can you help with?
Enquiries into tax returns, VAT inspections, PAYE and employer compliance checks, and voluntary disclosures of undeclared income. If your letter is about something else, tell us what it says and we’ll let you know whether we can help.
Is this included in my regular fees?
No. Work on an HMRC check is charged separately from your regular accounts and tax work. We’ll give you a quote before any work begins.
I’ve realised something was wrong on a past return. What should I do?
Talk to us. HMRC says penalties will usually be lower if you make a voluntary disclosure. If HMRC has already opened a check, it expects you to tell the officer dealing with it instead, and we can help with that.
Should I keep filing returns and paying tax during a check?
Yes. HMRC asks you to keep sending returns and making payments that are due while a compliance check is under way.
What if the letter mentions suspected fraud?
Get specialist legal advice promptly. This page is about routine HMRC checks and voluntary disclosures, not fraud investigations.
For general information, read HMRC’s compliance check guidance and what happens during a check on GOV.UK.
Related pages
Had a letter from HMRC?
Tell us what kind of HMRC letter you’ve had and when a reply is due. Please leave tax references and the letter itself out of the first message.