Personal Tax Investigations

Experienced representation when HMRC’s attention turns to you

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An HMRC enquiry into a personal tax return is unwelcome at any time. The cost is real, the disruption to personal and business life is significant and the choices made in the opening weeks shape the eventual outcome far more than most people expect. The wrong response to the opening letter – or no response at all – can set a direction that is very difficult to correct.

Our tax investigations team represents individuals through HMRC interventions of every kind. From routine compliance checks through to Code of Practice 8 and Code of Practice 9 investigations, we bring the experience, judgement and steadiness the situation calls for.

Backed by comprehensive tax fee insurance of up to £100,000, we ensure that you are fairly represented throughout an HMRC enquiry.

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Related services

What the cover includes

Across every engagement, the experience of working with us is defined by three things:

  • Income Tax Self Assessment
  • Capital Gains Tax
  • Inheritance Tax
  • National Insurance
  • Stamp Duty including Land Tax
  • PAYE and P11D for owner-managed business positions
  • VAT where it relates to self-employment
  • IR35 and off-payroll working
  • Gift Aid
  • Construction Industry Scheme where applicable

Subject to external income limits, cover can also extend to your spouse, partner and other family members where relevant. The full terms and conditions of the policy are available at cronertaxwise.com/premier-professional-policy.

The service does not cover fraud, criminal prosecutions, tax avoidance schemes, deliberate omissions or the underlying tax, fines, penalties or interest due. Understanding these boundaries is part of managing risk properly.

If you receive any correspondence or communication from HMRC relating to a potential enquiry or dispute, speak to us immediately. Early intervention allows us to control the narrative, manage communication and protect your position from the outset. Where applicable, we will make a claim under the policy and credit the proceeds against your professional fees.

What you can expect from our investigations team

Tax investigations require more than technical knowledge. They demand composure, clarity and the ability to operate confidently under scrutiny. Three things define how we run this work:

Partner-led from the first letter

The opening response, the strategic positioning of the case and the substantive correspondence sit with the partner. The judgement applied to the difficult decisions is the judgement of experience.

Considered, not reactive

We do not respond hastily to information notices or settlement proposals. Each response is considered against the eventual outcome we are working towards, with the timetable managed accordingly.

Resolution that closes the matter

The objective is a documented settlement and a clean line under the issue, with whatever procedural protections such as suspended penalties or agreed future arrangements that are appropriate to ensure it does not return.

Individuals come to us in an investigation when the stakes are real and they need a steady, experienced guide through the process – someone who will manage the narrative with HMRC, keep the response considered rather than reactive and work towards a resolution that closes the matter properly.

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Here is what our clients have to say… testimonial icon


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Macalvins have been running the Payroll and Pension Plan for Hayes & Yeading United Football Club for over 10 years.… Read More

Bernard Bitmead

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I love the people of macalvins. they are warm and very dependable. and that what matters to me in any… Read More

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I have been MaCalvins for the past 6 years and I have found them excellent in every department. They manage… Read More

John Gill

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I’ve been with MaCalvins since 2013, they are managing my company business accounts and my personal tax returns in a… Read More

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Excellent service and understanding of our business needs

Kanesh Rajani

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Thank you Macalvins for excellent service over the years

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I have been with Macalvins for the past 3 years and have found them to be polite, courteous and professional… Read More

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I’ve been with Macalvins for 9 years, and they’ve always done a good job on My Accounts.

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We have used Macalvins for all our accounting needs including audits and payrol since the beginning of time – nothing… Read More

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I appointed Macalvins when I first started my business in 2013 and have found their expertise to be invaluable. Initially,… Read More

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Why choose Macalvins?

With our team, you get precision, continuity and the kind of considered advice that comes from people who know your numbers as well as you do.

As a Top 100 UK accountancy firm with international reach through PrimeGlobal, Macalvins brings that depth of expertise to every client, at every stage of growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions faq

I have just received an HMRC letter. What is the first step?

Speak to us before responding. The opening reply often sets the procedural and substantive tone of the entire enquiry and material disclosed early is difficult to retract. We will review the letter, the underlying position and the appropriate response before anything is sent back.

What is the difference between Code of Practice 8 and Code of Practice 9?

Code of Practice 8 covers serious enquiries where HMRC does not currently suspect fraud. Code of Practice 9 is issued where fraud is suspected and offers the taxpayer the opportunity to make a full disclosure under the Contractual Disclosure Facility in return for protection from criminal investigation. Both require experienced representation from the outset. The procedural and substantive differences are significant.

Can you act alongside our existing accountant?

Yes and that is a common arrangement. Where the existing accountant continues to handle the routine compliance, our team takes the investigations workstream. We co-ordinate appropriately so the position presented to HMRC is unified and the standing relationship with the existing adviser is preserved.

Mr. Jackson
@mrjackson
Mr. Jackson
@mrjackson