Fiducia TogetherHMRC enquiries and investigations
When HMRC looks more closely at a return. Common, and manageable.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
A compliance check can cover any tax. It may be an aspect enquiry into one item or a full enquiry into a return.
Why it matters
Enquiries have time limits from the filing date, extended where there has been carelessness or deliberate behaviour. Penalties depend heavily on whether a disclosure was prompted or unprompted.
What it looks like in practice
Respond within the deadlines and only to what is asked. HMRC has information powers but they are not unlimited, and there are appeal rights against information notices.\n\nFee protection insurance covers the accountancy cost of an enquiry and is inexpensive.
What to watch out for
Volunteering more than was asked for, which widens the enquiry. And engaging with it yourself to save fees, which usually costs more.
Where to get proper advice
Your accountant, immediately. A specialist tax investigations adviser for anything involving deliberate behaviour.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.