Tax Investigation Service - what does it include?

The service covers our fees in the event of a tax investigation and saves you from a potentially lengthy, worrying and expensive situation.

Your service summary

When you subscribe to our service we are able to make a claim against our insurance policy held with Croner Taxwise in respect of our fees incurred (up to £100,000 per claim unless otherwise indicated) when we defend a client who is subject to any of the following events:

A Full Enquiry
This is an extensive examination which considers all aspects of the self assessment tax return. It will involve a comprehensive review by HMRC of all books and records underlying the entries made on the return. It will also feature the issue of a notice under S9A/S12AC TMA 1970 or paragraph 24(1) Schedule 18 FA 1998.

An Aspect Enquiry
This is where HMRC enquires into
 one or more aspects of the self assessment tax return which may involve clarification of particular entries, to detailed consideration of whether those entries have been treated correctly for tax purposes. It may involve a check on the records upon which the particular entries were based. It will also feature the issue of a notice under S9A/S12AC TMA 1970
or paragraph 24(1) Schedule 18 FA 1998.

A Business Inspection Notice
This is where HMRC 
exercise their power to request entry to a person’s business premises and inspect the business premises, assets, goods
and documents. It will feature the approval of an “Authorised Officer” of Revenue & Customs and the issue of an Inspection Notice for a short notice or unannounced visit or where the proposed inspection has been approved by the First Tier Tribunal. The notice will be issued under Schedule 36 paragraph 12(2) FA 2008.

VAT / PAYE / CIS Compliance Visit Cover
This is where HMRC wish to carry out a routine PAYE / VAT/ CIS Compliance Visit where it is considered that professional representation is necessary and the matter cannot be dealt with by the client alone. 

VAT Disputes
This is a challenge by HMRC to the accuracy or completeness of returns submitted. It will feature a disagreement over both the way in which VAT has been operated and over the amount of VAT due.

PAYE / NIC / CIS Disputes
This is a challenge by HMRC to the accuracy or completeness of returns submitted in accordance with Pay As You Earn / CIS Regulations. It will feature a disagreement over both the way in which PAYE / CIS has been operated and over the amount of PAYE / NIC due.

Employment Status Dispute
Where HMRC state that an individual previously classed as self-employed should have been subject to PAYE.

IHT Cover
This relates to an estate where our involvement is considered necessary following the submission of an IHT return which has been wholly prepared by us. 

Gift Aid Inspections
Where a registered charity operating a Gift Aid Scheme with HMRC is being reviewed. 

Partners/Directors Cover
Where a partnership or limited company join we may also make a claim in the event of either an aspect or full enquiry into the personal returns of the partners and directors and their spouses and company secretaries (where we prepare the tax return). This automatic cover will not extend to individuals with any self-employment income (outside of the main business) and/or gross rental income received as a landlord that exceeds £50,000 or more per annum. A separate sole trade fee is payable to cover these additional elements. We must also be the tax return agent at the time the enquiry commences.

Application for a Judicial Review
This is an application (during the course of a valid claim under the Policy) to the Administrative Court to challenge a decision of an official where no other legal recourse is available to the applicant. The limit of indemnity for this cover is £5,000.

Code of Practice 8 Investigations
This is where HMRC Specialist Investigations conduct an investigation in accordance with Code of Practice 8. The limit of indemnity for this cover is £15,000 (where fraud is disproved).

IR35 Status Check
This is where HMRC write asking if it has been considered whether the client falls within the scope of IR35. 

IR35 Disputes
This is where HMRC states a client should be subject to the IR35 legislation following a PAYE Compliance Visit or the issue of a notice under paragraph 24(1) Schedule 18 FA 1998. It will feature a disagreement over whether this legislation applies.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Grant Enquiries
This is a challenge by HMRC to the accuracy of job retention scheme claims submitted. It will feature a disagreement over both the way in which the job retention scheme has been operated and over the amount of grant income received by an employer.

Interventions Cover (Informal Enquiries)
This is where HMRC issue a routine letter or telephone call with a view
to obtaining clarification on particular points on a self assessment tax return without the issue of a statutory notice and not dealt with or excluded under any other section of this policy. 

The Main Exclusions in our service are as follows:

  • The costs of making good any deficiencies in books, records, accounts or returns or work ordinarily capable of being done by the client.
  • Returns which have been submitted more than 90 days late.
  • Any claim involving the Civil Investigation of Fraud procedure (Code of Practice 9) or Specialist Investigations except where a Code of Practice 8 booklet has been issued (only where fraud disproven and up to our insurer's policy limit of £15,000).

How much will it cost?

 

Annual Charge
(including VAT)

Individuals or trusts                                                                  

£50.00

Sole traders of any amount / landlords where gross rental income exceeds £50k                     

£150.00

Partnerships / limited companies (up to £250,000 turnover)                   

£210.00

Partnerships / limited companies (£250,000 - £1 million turnover)                

£300.00

Partnerships / limited companies (£1 million - £10 million turnover)

£420.00

Businesses (over £10 million turnover)  

Bespoke quote

Multiple companies in the same group taking up cover         

Bespoke quote


Full details are available on request

DRG Chartered Accountants offers a full range of accountancy and tax services. If you would like to find out more about our Tax Investigation Service, please do get in touch. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Donald Reid Group
18a King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF | T: 01628 760 000 | E: info@donaldreid.co.uk

"My company has used DRG for a number of years. They are proactive and efficient with all aspects of their work. They keep on top of our tax and accounting requirements, and help with the development of our business strategy.

We view DRG as a key supplier and crucially a partner and would highly recommend the firm – in particular to other fast growing businesses."

David Folkman, Director

"I’ve worked with a number of accountants over the years and have never found another company who offers the same level of care, support and professionalism. They’re always on hand to offer advice and guidance, above and beyond the service that I pay for. I would recommend them wholeheartedly."

Joe Hill, Director

"Very supportive and friendly company from day one."

Outdoor Academy

"I have always worked as an employee so when I decided to set up my own business, I did not know where to start. DRG took the time to explain how working as a sole trader would be more beneficial to me setting up a limited company (which I had always thought was a requirement for running a business). They gave me practical advice on the records I need to keep as well as general guidance on setting up my business and helped me claim a large tax refund after my first year of trading."

Sole Trader

"I have been a client through a number of different ventures with DRG since 2007. They have proved the benefits of a local firm with Big 4 experience in providing sound business and tax advice by being accessible, having in-depth knowledge of my business and able to form good working relationships at different levels with me and my staff. We also enjoy the benefit of their excellent accountancy and payroll services. I couldn’t recommend them more highly."

Paul Dunn-Sims, Halcyon Home Care

"I have been extremely impressed with the service level and attention to my business."

Sherwood Event Services

"DRG provide excellent services to Extrinsica Global that enable us to focus on our priority – growing the business."

Extrinsica Global

"A professional service at a competitive rate. Perfect for small businesses."

Design & Technical Management

"We have used DRG since our incorporation. They have supported our development providing sound business advice on top of our accounting requirements.

They are proactive and helpful in responding to queries and I would recommend them to any prospective client."

Rob Farrow, Alchemy Fireworks Ltd

"Daniel and his team at DRG provide a friendly service and are always able to explain issues in clear terms."

Kensington Communication Consultants

"An excellent service, good advice – we would recommend."

Burnham Garage