HMRC Tax Investigation
HMRC holds wide-ranging powers when it comes to tax investigations. Both individuals and businesses under review need skilled representation from solicitors and accountants who understand how to engage with HMRC effectively.
Whether the investigation is routine or more serious in nature, our team of solicitors and specialist accountants provides confidential, strategic, and cost-effective guidance.
Tax Investigations
Tax Investigation Solicitors
HMRC Tax Investigations
Civil Tax Investigations
Avoid and Mitigate Tax Penalties
Protect Your Interests
Proactive Measures to Prevent Investigations
Consult Our Accountants & Solicitors
Liability for Failure to Prevent Tax Evasion
Tax Tribunals: Appeal HMRC Decisions
Act Quickly
Tax Investigations
At Axis Solicitors, our tax experts offer tailored support to help you navigate or prepare for an HMRC investigation. If HMRC believes there may be discrepancies in your tax filings or underreported income, they may initiate a review.
While many cases are resolved quickly through correspondence, more complex matters may trigger a Code of Practice (COP) 8 or COP9 investigation.
With UK tax laws becoming more intricate—particularly for high-income earners, those with offshore holdings, or non-domiciled individuals—unintentional errors can happen. These can result in penalties or reputational issues. Our solicitors act fast to protect your interests and resolve matters efficiently.
Tax Investigation Solicitors
Our solicitors offer discreet, cost-effective advice and representation if you’re being reviewed by HMRC.
Whether you’re an individual or a business, our team can support you with:
- VAT inspections and investigations
- Code of Practice 8 (COP8) investigations
- Code of Practice 9 (COP9) investigations
- Investigations involving alleged tax avoidance
- Offshore income or asset-related investigations
Fast action is key to resolving these matters before they escalate. By engaging early and presenting a clear legal position—with cooperation where appropriate—we increase your chances of achieving a favourable resolution.
HMRC Tax Investigations
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is one of the UK’s most powerful investigative authorities. It can initiate both general and complex investigations into tax underpayment, reporting discrepancies, and related matters.
Civil Tax Investigations
Civil investigations may be opened when:
- The amount of unpaid tax is substantial
- Complex arrangements or avoidance schemes are suspected
- HMRC prefers to resolve the matter without pursuing legal action
- A case needs further scrutiny due to irregularities or incomplete disclosures
Axis Solicitors has extensive experience in defending and advising across all types of:
- HMRC tax investigations
- Tax inquiries and reviews
- Suspected tax underreporting
- Disclosure or compliance issues
Contact us for a confidential initial consultation to understand your options.
Avoid and Mitigate Tax Penalties
Protect Your Interests
If you’re subject to a tax investigation, early legal advice is essential. Our solicitors can step in at any stage to support you—whether you’re already under investigation or seeking guidance to prevent one.
Proactive Measures to Prevent Investigations
In addition to responding to HMRC enquiries, we offer compliance support to individuals, businesses, and trusts. By establishing strong internal systems and practices, we help reduce the likelihood of future investigations.
Consult Our Accountants & Solicitors
We bring together solicitors and accountants with deep experience in HMRC matters. This integrated approach allows us to handle all aspects of investigations and related legal processes.
With a proven track record in dealing with HMRC and specialist advisors at our disposal, we provide expert support for even the most complex tax matters.
Liability for Failure to Prevent Tax Evasion
Businesses and partnerships can be held accountable for failing to stop others from facilitating tax evasion—whether in the UK or overseas. Liability can arise even if the organisation didn’t directly participate in or know about the conduct.
This legislation places responsibility on businesses to have effective procedures in place. The best defence is showing you’ve taken reasonable steps to prevent wrongdoing. We assist clients in setting up compliance systems to reduce the risk of being held liable.
Tax Tribunals: Appeal HMRC Decisions
If you believe HMRC has made an incorrect decision, you typically have the right to appeal.
- Step 1: Challenge the decision directly with HMRC
- Step 2: Escalate to the tax tribunal if needed
Tax tribunal levels:
- First-Tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber): Reviews the case details and delivers a ruling
- Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber): Reviews the legal reasoning if granted permission to appeal
We ensure your case is thoroughly prepared and well-argued, with proper legal support to boost your chances of success.
Act Quickly
Tax investigations can result in significant fines and reputational risk. It’s important to seek legal advice early. The sooner you consult our tax investigation team, the better prepared we are to build your defence and protect your position.
HMRC’s powers are extensive, and its enquiries can vary in scope. Whether it’s a civil review or a more serious investigation, we are here to provide you with the right legal and financial guidance.
We have broad experience in:
- VAT inspections
- Code of Practice 8 (COP8) reviews
- Code of Practice 9 (COP9) reviews
- Tax avoidance and underpayment matters
- International tax compliance issues
HMRC Tax Investigation Solicitors & Accountants
Axis Solicitors’ team of tax investigation solicitors and accountants have over 15 years of experience in assisting and defending clients while they are facing HMRC cases. Our HMRC tax investigation solicitors deliver effective legal defence when you need it, whether your case involves tax investigations, tax fraud, or any other allegations concerning an individual’s or business’s declared tax.
With our record in tackling complicated and tax cases, our results driven experts take pride in defending both high-profile cases and small business owners in Manchester, Birmingham and London with the same dedication and focus.
FAQ: HMRC Tax Investigations
HMRC may launch an investigation if they believe there are discrepancies in your tax returns, signs of underreported income, or irregular financial activity. Sometimes investigations are random, but often they are triggered by risk indicators or third-party information.
- COP8 is used when HMRC suspects significant tax avoidance involving complex arrangements.
COP9 is applied when HMRC believes deliberate misreporting has occurred, but is still willing to resolve the matter through civil channels.
HMRC will typically notify you by letter. The notice may request specific information or documents, or it may outline the nature of their concerns. If you receive such a letter, seek legal advice immediately.
Do not respond without legal guidance. Engage a solicitor or tax professional who can review the correspondence, help you understand the scope of the investigation, and advise on the best course of action.
Yes. Many investigations are resolved through cooperation, voluntary disclosure, and negotiation. With expert representation, it’s often possible to avoid formal hearings and reduce any penalties.
Outcomes can include additional tax liabilities, interest, and financial penalties. In some situations, reputational harm or legal proceedings may also arise. Acting quickly and getting professional help can significantly improve your position.
It depends on the complexity of the case. Some are resolved within weeks; others can take several months or longer. Clear communication and proactive management help shorten the timeline.
Yes. If you disagree with HMRC’s findings, you have the right to request a review or appeal through the tax tribunal system. Our team can guide you through each stage of the appeals process.
Absolutely. We offer compliance reviews and advice to help businesses and individuals avoid common pitfalls and reduce risk. Strong internal controls and proper reporting systems are key.
HMRC Enquiry? We Can Help.
Our HMRC Tax Investigation Solicitors Are On Your Side.
Worried about tax investigations? Benefit from the protection of client privilege with our solicitors and the specialised Tax knowledge of our tax accountants.
Contact us for a confidential discussion.
