HMRC Assessment Reviews
HMRC assessments can be disruptive for businesses, especially when they ultimately result in a VAT assessment, penalty or surcharge. The team of VAT specialists at The VAT People can offer advice and support to companies that have been impacted by an HMRC assessment, and are here to help you sort through this complex process.
Our qualified advisers have decades of experience and knowledge of all aspects of VAT regulations, and are best placed to discuss any penalties or surcharges your business is facing as a result of a HMRC assessment. We can offer advice on whether the assessment was justified, and whether HMRC’s decision fairly reflects all of the facts presented.
Whether you agree with the outcome of your assessment or simply want to know more about the process, we can provide the best possible advice and a thorough review of your case. To discuss your circumstances, contact The VAT People today by calling 0161 477 6600, or fill out an online enquiry form and we will get back to you at a more convenient time
How can we help you
We are the expert of choice for countless organisations faced with an HMRC assessment, and there are a number of ways in which we can help if the prospect of a VAT assessment, penalties and/or surcharges has been raised.
At The VAT People, we can offer support and advice at every stage of the appeal process. Our method involves:
- considering whether the VAT assessment is justified, and whether it has been made with HMRC having access to all of the facts
- in cases where all the facts are evident, investigating whether or not HMRC is applying an incorrect interpretation or failing to work within prescribed time limits
- helping clients to challenge incorrect or flawed assessments, including making appropriate representations to HMRC or, where necessary, making appeals to tribunals
- providing specialist advice and assistance, and supporting you in rebutting assessments when there are reasonable grounds to do so
- challenging any penalties that HMRC may seek to apply. Read more about specific penalties here.
In many cases, we have been able to reduce or entirely remove assessments, penalties and/or surcharges handed down by HMRC, so by getting in touch with us we may be able to make a significant difference.
FAQs
What should I do when I disagree with a tax decision?
If you disagree with or have a query about a tax decision, it is up to you to investigate its full details and decide whether or not to make an appeal against it.
You will receive a letter from HMRC containing details of the decision, including information on whether you are able to appeal. In most cases, you will have to cover your own costs if you appeal a tax decision, which is why it may be advisable to seek out a professional opinion on the best course of action to take.
How can I make an appeal to HMRC?
If you disagree with HMRC’s response to an assessment, you can take the following actions:
- Ask HMRC to review their decision
- Ask a tax tribunal to hear your appeal
- Consider alternative dispute resolution
Based on your decision, HMRC may offer you a review, or you can request one. This is generally carried out by an officer who was not involved in the original decision, and in most cases will take up to 45 days to complete, after which you will be informed of the outcome.
How we can help
We are often called upon when a client is faced with an HMRC Assessment. Such an assessment of VAT can involve penalties or surcharges, but there are a number of ways in which we can help.
Firstly, we will need to consider whether the VAT assessment is justified, and whether it has been made with HMRC having access to all the facts.
In cases where all the facts are evident, we can often find that HMRC are not applying the correct interpretation, or not working within the prescribed time limits. We regularly present clients in challenging, incorrect or flawed assessments, including making appropriate representations to HMRC or, where necessary, making appeals to tribunals.
We can provide the specialist advice and assistance that you will need, and, if we feel that there are reasonable grounds to defend the assessment, we will rebut the assessment on your behalf.
We have been able to reduce or remove the assessment in many cases.To discuss your case with a VAT expert, contact The VAT People today by calling 0161 477 6600, or fill out an online enquiry form and we will get back to you at a more convenient time.
Contact Us
To discuss your HMRC assessment review with a VAT expert, contact The VAT People today by calling 0161 477 6600, or fill out an online enquiry form and we will get back to you at a more convenient time.
You can also learn more about the team who’ll be working alongside you by visiting our team page.