Tax Investigations.

HMRC compliance checks, tax enquiries, and investigations are increasingly common. Learn how our Tax Fee Protection service can help your business respond effectively and protect against unexpected professional fees.

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Our Services

Any business or individual submitting a tax return or accounts to HMRC could be selected for a tax enquiry or compliance check. These reviews can be detailed and time-consuming, even if no additional tax is due. The costs of responding, preparing records, and defending your business can be substantial.

What is an HMRC compliance check or tax enquiry?

An HMRC compliance check (sometimes called a tax enquiry or tax investigation) is a review of one or more taxes, such as corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, or CIS. HMRC may request supporting documents, explanations, and records to ensure the correct amount of tax has been paid.

A compliance check does not imply wrongdoing, but handling it carefully is essential to minimise disruption and cost.

Common triggers for HMRC compliance checks

HMRC uses data analysis and risk profiling to select businesses for review. Some common triggers include:

Dividends that appear high relative to profits
VAT returns that do not match accounts or industry norms
PAYE or CIS indicators suggesting employment status issues
Large or unusual relief claims, including R&D or capital allowances

Checks may cover a single issue or multiple areas of your tax return.

Tax Fee Protection Insurance - how we can help

Being prepared in advance can save both time and money – and provide peace of mind if HMRC contact does occur. Our Tax Fee Protection insurance service protects businesses against the professional fees incurred when HMRC carries out a tax enquiry, compliance check or inspection.

This service covers the costs of defending you in most HMRC reviews, including:

Corporation Tax and Income Tax full or aspect enquiries
PAYE/NIC compliance checks
IR35, Employment Status and CIS enquiries or disputes
VAT compliance checks
Business record checks, inspections, and interventions under HMRC's Schedule 36 powers
Inheritance Tax / Probate enquiries
Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Land Tax enquiries
National Minimum / Living Wage enquiries
Child Tax Credit and Student Loan enquiries
Gift Aid enquiries
Companies House confirmation statement enquiries
Enquiries into Scottish taxes

Additional benefits include complementary telephone access to employment, health & safety and general legal advisors.

Why subscribe to Tax Fee Protection

Our normal annual fees do not cover the additional costs of handling HMRC enquiries or compliance checks. By subscribing to our Tax Fee Protection insurance, you can protect your business (or yourself, if applicable) from potentially high professional fees.

Subscribing also ensures that any HMRC compliance check or tax enquiry is handled efficiently, professionally and with minimal disruption to you / your business.

If you would like to subscribe to our Tax Fee Protection service or discuss how it can help, contact our team today.

You can also download our Summary of Service for full details on what is included.

Get in touch

Muhammed Shabbir

Email Muhammed

024 7671 5111

“Having been a client of Armstrongs for over 10 years, I can honestly say my business would not be where it is today without their expert advice and personal service. I can't imagine ever using anyone else - highly recommended.”

Alan Barratt, Founder, Grenade

“Armstrongs are approachable, available whenever we need them and very pleasant to deal with. We value our working partnership and we enjoy having Armstrongs’ team working in the business at audit time. Their contribution on how we can continually improve processes is invaluable.”

Gary Jones, CEO, Penderels Trust

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Dr Khan, Surgeon

“Armstrongs have supported our business from its conception and their advice and personal support has helped our business grow. We find all the staff to be extremely professional, friendly and very approachable, which was a key driver in our decision to appoint them as accountants.”

Darren Rowlands, Director, Henry Rowlands Construction Ltd

“Since becoming self-employed in 2009 I have been really happy with the service and the sector-specific timely information and tax planning advice provided by Armstrongs.”

Dr Ahmed, Dentist

"I have been with Armstrongs for nearly 3 years now & they have looked after my business in a professional yet personal & efficient manner. Even managed to get a decent rebate after leaving my last accountancy company which had lost it's personal touch through growing to big.

Always ready to answer any questions & advise on the best route forward. Willing to meet face to face to discuss any issues / queries. Maybe not the cheapest but you pay for what you get. Highly recommended."

Kevin Armitstead, Milestone Project Management Limited

"I have used Armstrongs Accountancy for many years now and can honestly say that I have received excellent service and advice from an experienced and highly approachable group of very pleasant people.

In this ever-changing world, we need the expertise of trusted accountants more than ever, and I have no doubt in recommending the Armstrongs team."

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"Armstrongs are everything I need in an accountant - great service, efficient processes, incredibly knowledgeable and, most importantly, fantastic people. I have been with them since I started my business a few years ago and have never had a reason to look elsewhere.

When it comes to my business, no question is ever too small or big for them - someone is always on-hand to help. If you need an accountant, wherever you are in your business journey, Armstrongs are the team for you."

Gus Bhandal, The Marketing Guru

"We have used Armstrongs Accountancy's services for numerous businesses. They have a wealth of knowledge and expertise and have continuously helped the businesses with tax efficiency and profitability. We highly recommend their services."

Dan Macauley, Capital Gym Limited

"I’ve been working with Armstrong’s for 5+ years. They quickly understood our business; they are always responsive and have been excellent partners and advisors. Highly recommended!"

Philippe Polman, Echelon Air Ltd

"Paul and the team at Armstrongs have been managing our company accounts for many years, and their service has consistently been outstanding. They are efficient, reliable, and always available to provide support and guidance whenever needed.

I highly recommend their services to any business looking for trusted financial expertise."

Luke Wilson, Willies IHE

“Armstrongs have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and in-depth knowledge of the HMRC tax regime.

Paul's ability to clearly explain complex tax regulations in a way that makes the process feel approachable and transparent is invaluable. Communication has always been prompt and thorough at every stage, ensuring I always felt informed and confident in the decisions I was making.

I highly recommend Armstrongs to anyone seeking accountancy and taxation advice.”

Cormac Glynn, Everglynn Law

“I have been repeatedly impressed by Armstrongs' first rate, well considered tax planning advice, particular thanks go out to Paul Farmer and Adam Dunne. This high level of service is also demonstrated by their Wealth Management team. For a wide base of expertise, spanning business and private advice, Armstrongs are impressive.”

Simon Steel

“Armstrongs have been our accountants for 5+ years now and we have been very happy with the service we have received; we are a small business based in Leicester and we feel we get treated just as well as larger companies would. Armstrong's are always happy to help us however small our queries are, and we find their charges to be fair.

We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for accountancy services.”

Samantha Leigh, Leicester Office Furnishers Limited

“We have used Armstrongs as our accountants now for number of years here at 1st 4 Fire and Security Limited and cannot fault them. The service they provide along with the responsiveness of any queries and emails we have is second to none. Sarah and the team do a brilliant job, and we look forward to many more years of working together.”

John Ives, 1st 4 Fire and Security Limited

Get in touch

To find your nearest office or get in touch with one of our specialist advisors to see how we can help your business, please go to our contact us page.