5th December 2017 Posted by - Alexander Accountancy
Once upon a time you could be selected for what were called “Tax Office Investigations”. However the HM Revenue & Customs PR brigade decided that sounded too threatening so changed the name. Deciding it would be a lot kinder if they simply chose people for a “Tax Office Enquiry”.
At which point they also introduced random checks under self assessment so they could help tax payers make sure they were returning accurate information.
Today this has evolved in to “Selecting Tax Returns” to be checked for accuracy which is a lot less threatening whilst providing a greater number of opportunities. It is now perceived by many to be an exercise in maximising tax revenues from easy targets.
So what should you do if you are selected for a check?
The first thing you should do is talk to a professional advisor, usually an accountant, who will be able to act on your behalf and protect you from any direct pressure. There is a misconception among lay people that the tax office must be right and must know what they are doing. Quite often this is not correct, and often people will pay tax that is not due simply to get away from the problem.
The problem for the tax payer is that to defend a “Check” in to their tax return can take a lot of time depending on the amount and detail of information requested. And a lot of time usually equates to substantial costs. But this does not have to be the tax payer’s problem.
Alexander Accountancy offer “Fee Protection”
This is a simple annual subscription to a service that means the cost of defending a “Check, Enquiry or Investigation” is paid by our insurers. So if you are unfortunate enough to be selected we can fight your corner without you having to worry about how much it will cost. It lets you have the defence you need provided by an experienced team with the right knowledge, and takes you out of the direct line of questioning. It allows you to obtain justice rather than having to accept injustices on economic grounds.
Want to find out more?
If moving the balance of power in your favour appeals but you are unsure of what to do next contact Alexander Accountancy by emailing in**@al*******************.uk or telephone 01283 743851.
