VAT investigation

Vat investigations are normally triggered by three things:

  1. Routine VAT inspection that uncovers irregularities;
  2. Declarations and repayment claims that seem implausible when looking at VAT history;
  3. Operating in a “high-risk” sector, such as alcohol wholesalers, brokers and cash and carries.

Depending on the severity of the offences HMRC suspects, they can hit you using Civil Investigation of Fraud powers or even launch a criminal investigation. HMRC may send you pre-notification of an enquiry but they can conduct an unannounced on-site inspection, as a blog of ours illustrates. Potentially the tax authorities can strip your business premises and even your home, asking you to produce relevant documents for inspection and removing goods, computers and documents. You may have to attend interviews or appear in a court of law.

DNS-Accountants

Why choose dns accountants?

DNS has provided the expertise and manpower in several cases of VAT investigation, advising clients from the moment of the notice or the minute investigators arrive. There is no doubt that in the event of VAT investigation you should have professional help; besides even should the worst happen, we can look at ways to reduce penalties or structure a more favourable payment plan.

Case history: A client was subjected to a full VAT enquiry by HMRC. The process took months, with investigators at the business premises, stock removed and business seriously disrupted. The company was on the brink of bankruptcy by the time the enquiry was over. The company’s tax investigation cover continues to work for them while they try to settle what HMRC owe them for loss of business. In the end, this case will have cost tens of thousands of pounds.

Click here to see more of the benefits of DNS Tax Investigation cover

See our blog for VAT investigations

Book a Free Consultation

* Indicates a required field
DNS-Accountants

Get in Touch

Get the best advice on tax savings, accounting services, payroll, self assessment, VAT and more, whether you want to call us directly, request a call back or chat online with our experts, rest assured that we will always give you the best advice.If you have any questions, or would like to speak to us in person, please do get in touch. We're here to help.

Head Office:

DNS Accountants
DNS House, 382 Kenton Road,
Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 8DP

Contact Number:

0333 060 2437

Award winning experts
trusted by many

We're proud of our clients and their success. Find out more about them and
the help and support we provide.

Free Business Software!

Limited time only!

Free Business Software

Manage your business remotely with our free cloud-based accounting software. Designed for UK-based business owners.

  • Built in payment solutions.
  • Track profitability, debtors and creditors
  • Snap pics of receipts with the mobile app
Get Started
Close nomi