HMRC Tax Investigation Help & Specialist Defence
Received an HMRC Tax Investigation Letter? Get Immediate Expert Support.
If you have received an HMRC tax investigation letter, it is essential to act carefully and promptly. At Protax Consultants, we provide confidential, specialist tax advice for HMRC investigations, representing individuals and businesses across the UK.
Based in Wimbledon and supporting clients throughout London and nationally, we are experienced HMRC tax investigation specialists. From routine compliance checks to serious allegations of tax fraud, we manage the entire process on your behalf, protecting your rights, minimising penalties, and restoring control.
- ACCA Chartered Accountants
- HMRC Defence Specialists
- 100% Confidential
I’ve Received an HMRC Investigation Letter – What Should I Do?
First, do not panic.
Second, do not ignore it.
Third, do not reply without advice.
Receiving a “Check of Self Assessment” or “Compliance Check” letter does not automatically mean you have done something wrong. However, your first response is critical.Providing too much information can widen the scope of the enquiry.
Providing too little can be interpreted as uncooperative behaviour.
Before responding, speak to a specialist. We will:
- Review the letter and understand the scope of the enquiry
- Examine your records before HMRC does
- Identify any risk areas
- Formulate a clear defence strategy
- Manage all communication moving forward
Once we are instructed, HMRC deals directly with us, not you.
How Far Back Can HMRC Investigate?
A key concern is the HMRC tax investigation time limit.
How far back HMRC can investigate depends on the type of issue.
4 Years – Innocent Errors
If reasonable care was taken, HMRC generally has a 4-year limit.
6 Years – Careless Errors
If HMRC considers the issue careless, they may go back 6 years.
20 Years – Deliberate Behaviour
In cases involving alleged tax evasion or deliberate non-disclosure, HMRC can investigate up to 20 years.
COP9 & HMRC Tax Fraud Investigations
A Code of Practice 9 (COP9) investigation is one of the most serious civil tax investigations.
COP9 usually involves suspected tax fraud or deliberate behaviour. Under the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF), HMRC may offer immunity from criminal prosecution in exchange for full disclosure.
This must be handled carefully.
We assist with:
- Assessing COP9 risks
- Preparing structured disclosure reports
- Negotiating with HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service
- Managing HMRC tax evasion investigations
If you are facing an HMRC tax fraud investigation, early strategic defence is essential.
Types of HMRC Investigations We Handle
Inheritance Tax Investigation
We represent executors and families dealing with HMRC challenges to estate valuations, lifetime gifts, and asset transfers.
VAT Investigations
We assist businesses facing VAT investigations, input tax disputes, and sector reviews. Early involvement can reduce assessments and penalties.
Self Assessment & Business Enquiries
We manage enquiries into rental income, capital gains, director income, and business profits to keep the process controlled and structured.
Tax Investigation Specialist in Wimbledon, Serving London & the UK
If you are searching for a tax investigation specialist in Wimbledon or tax investigation specialists in London, we provide both local accessibility and national coverage.
You work directly with experienced Chartered Accountants, not a call centre.
For clients needing HMRC tax investigation services UK-wide, we provide secure remote representation with the same level of defence.
Do You Have Tax Investigation Insurance?
If you hold tax investigation insurance, we can work with your insurer and act as your appointed representative. This allows you to retain your chosen adviser.
Frequently Asked Questions – HMRC Tax Investigations
Common triggers include inconsistencies in tax returns, unusual income changes, sector profiling, or third-party information.
COP9 cases are serious and usually involve suspected deliberate behaviour. With professional handling, many cases are resolved through civil settlement.
Yes. HMRC can reopen earlier years within the 4, 6, or 20-year limits, depending on the case.
It is strongly advised to seek specialist tax advice before responding. Early mistakes can widen the enquiry.
Yes. Penalties may be reduced depending on cooperation, disclosure quality, and how HMRC categorises the behaviour.
Speak to an HMRC Tax Investigation Specialist Today
Do not wait.