Tax Investigations. Done right.

Enquiries are triggered by data mismatches (third-party reports from banks, platforms, Companies House), industry risk profiling, random selection, tip-offs, or unusual swings in your figures year-on-year. HMRC doesn't have to give a reason. The first letter looks intimidating but is usually a standard Section 9A or 12AC notice — the response in the first 30 days sets the tone for the whole enquiry.

COP8 covers cases where HMRC suspects significant tax loss but not deliberate fraud. COP9 is the Contractual Disclosure Facility — HMRC suspects deliberate fraud and is offering you immunity from criminal prosecution in exchange for a full, accurate disclosure within 60 days. COP9 is far more serious and you must never respond to one without specialist representation. We've handled both end-to-end.

We build the defence around the three irreducible tests — mutuality of obligation, personal service, and control — supported by your actual working practices, contracts, and the end client's evidence. CEST output, if any, is reviewed but rarely decisive on its own. The earlier we get involved (ideally before HMRC issues a determination), the stronger the position and the lower the penalty exposure.

Yes. Penalties scale by behaviour: 0–30% for careless errors, 20–70% for deliberate, and 30–100% for deliberate and concealed. Within each band, full unprompted disclosure and cooperation can cut the penalty to the minimum. Reasonable excuse arguments can remove penalties entirely in some cases. Our job is to position your facts in the band and percentage that costs you least.

For around £15–£30 a month, fee protection covers our professional fees if HMRC opens an enquiry — typically up to £100,000 of representation. Without it, defending even a basic aspect enquiry can cost £2,000–£5,000 in fees on top of any tax. Given HMRC opens enquiries on roughly 7% of small businesses each year, most clients add it once they see the maths.