Tax Investigations in the UK
One of the most challenging and tedious task in the UK is the Taxes Investigations in the UK. Businesses are often confused by a multitude of issues that arise from the UK’s complex tax system. The main task of an accountancy firm is to review the accounts of businesses in order to ensure that they are not being abused. Some of the common problems that arise from a Taxes Investigation in the UK include the avoidance of taxes, the assessment of tax credits/debts and the collection of unpaid taxes.
Online Services
The online services provided by accounting firms have made the job much easier for individuals, small businesses and large corporations. Online firms can serve as a go-between for clients and taxpayers alike. They can efficiently and effectively complete the UK tax man with a level of professionalism and customer service that is unsurpassed by traditional agencies. Online accounting services can help with many tax related issues.
Appeals and Audit Investigations
An online tax inquiry in the UK can be handled by different firms depending on the client’s needs and circumstances. Some of the commonly utilized online tax firms include H & R Block, KPMG, Fresh & Branch, Fresh Connections, Price Waterhouse Coopers and CCH Group. These firms can serve as: independent tax advisors, tax consultancies, CPAs, tax-resolution companies, law offices and tax accountants. Each of these firms can help with a range of tax-related issues including: tax obligations, tax relief, assessment and collection of taxes, tax-penalty appeals and audit investigations.
Business or Company
The first step that an individual, business or company will need to take when preparing for an online tax inquiry in the UK is to prepare all necessary tax documentation and files. This includes bank statements, pay slips and certificate of income. When preparing the documents, it is important to remember that the tax inspector will review the documentation for errors, incomplete information or misclassification. It can also be a good idea to have a small notebook handy for quick notes.
Tax Office
Before contacting the tax office, it is recommended to conduct a thorough search of the office, its website and any public records. If you are contacting the tax inspectors via phone, then it is important to prepare your questions in advance. Be sure to ask if there is a procedure to follow for contacting the tax office or tax inspector. Get all relevant answers to your queries before proceeding with the tax investigation. It is important to remember to ask about the status of the investigations and what the possible outcomes might be. Information on the progress of the investigation can also be provided during the phone call.
Legal Proceedings
It is important to remember that the tax inspectors will not contact you by phone if they feel that you are not being honest with them. They will only contact you by mail, either demanding that you appear in person or sending you a notice of inquiry. Tax investigations in the UK often end with the tax inspector recommending that you pay back some or all of your tax debts. In most cases this will happen after they have obtained all the documentation they need. If you owe more than you can afford to pay, your case may be referred to an Employment Tribunal where you will have to decide whether or not you can pay back the money or try to reclaim it through legal proceedings.
Tax Debts Could Go Unpaid
As part of the investigation, a detailed report will be submitted to the tax office outlining what has been found. A formal letter will be sent to you summarizing the findings. You will usually receive a second letter confirming the findings. If you still cannot afford to pay your debt, then the remaining amount will be levied against you. If you lose your job, then your entire tax debts could go unpaid.
Conclusion
It is important to note that tax investigations in the UK are not just for collection. The tax inspector may also carry out repairs and improvements to ensure that your property and assets are not hampered in any way. The amount of fines levied will depend on the severity of the investigation, the company involved and the tax rate at the time. In most cases, the fine is waived by coming to an agreement with the tax inspector.
