Chartered Accountants Helping Small Businesses Grow Since 2009

Reliable, straight-talking accounting, tax and business advice — delivered locally in Bristol and online across the UK.

We help e-commerce, retail, and service businesses keep more of what they earn.

✔ Chartered Accountants
✔ 15 years’ experience
✔ Secure online systems
✔ Cloud accounting

HMRC Compliance & Investigations — Expert Support When It Matters Most

Receiving a letter from HMRC can be unsettling. Whether it’s a routine compliance check, a full tax investigation, or a dispute over returns, you need experienced professionals who understand HMRC procedures and can protect your interests. We provide calm, clear, and effective support at every stage.

HMRC compliance checks

HMRC can open a check into any return. We handle all correspondence, prepare evidence, and ensure your position is presented accurately.

Full tax investigations

If HMRC suspects serious inaccuracies or fraud, they can launch an investigation. We stand by you, manage the process, and work to minimise penalties.

Disputes & appeals

If you disagree with HMRC’s findings, we can help you appeal, negotiate settlements, or take your case to tribunal.

What’s Included

Our HMRC compliance and investigation service covers the full range of enquiries — from simple information requests to complex, multi‑year investigations.

Compliance checks

Review of HMRC opening letter & scope
Preparation of information & documents
Drafting responses and representations
Attendance at meetings with HMRC officers
Advice on your rights & obligations

Investigations & disputes

Full‑scale investigation management
Code of Practice 8 & 9 (COP8/COP9) handling
Penalty mitigation & negotiation
Contract settlements & time to pay arrangements
Appeals & tribunal representation

We also offer pre‑submission reviews to identify potential risk areas before you file — reducing the chance of an enquiry.

Why Professional Support Matters

HMRC enquiries are increasingly sophisticated. Without expert representation, you risk higher penalties, unnecessary stress, and prolonged disruption.

Know your rights

HMRC has extensive powers, but you also have rights. We ensure they follow proper procedure and don’t overreach.

Minimise penalties

Penalties depend on behaviour (careless, deliberate, etc.). We present your case in the best light to reduce or avoid penalties.

Reduce stress & time

HMRC enquiries can drag on for months. We handle the paperwork and meetings so you can focus on running your business.

Who We Help

We support individuals, businesses, and their advisors across the UK — anyone facing an HMRC enquiry or seeking to improve their compliance standing.

Small & medium businesses

Sole traders & partnerships

Limited companies & directors

Contractors & freelancers

Landlords & property investors

High net worth individuals

Charities & not‑for‑profit

Trusts & estates

Non‑UK residents with UK tax affairs

Beyond Defence: Proactive Compliance

The best way to survive an investigation is to avoid one in the first place. We help you build robust systems and processes that stand up to HMRC scrutiny.

Pre‑submission reviews

We review your returns before filing to spot potential red flags — unusual ratios, missing disclosures, or weak evidence.

Record‑keeping health checks

We audit your record‑keeping (digital and paper) to ensure you’re MTD‑compliant and ready for any future enquiry.

Voluntary disclosures

If you’ve made an error, we can help you make a prompt, voluntary disclosure to HMRC — often reducing penalties.

Technology & Secure Document Management

We use secure systems to manage all correspondence and evidence, ensuring nothing is missed and everything is organised.

Secure client portal

Digital evidence storage

Encrypted email

Audit trail software

Cloud accounting records

Document scanning & indexing

Centralised evidence

All invoices, contracts, and correspondence are stored in one secure place — easy to retrieve when HMRC asks.

Timeline management

We track HMRC deadlines and keep a log of all communications, so you’re never caught off guard.

Remote support

We can work entirely remotely — no need for physical meetings unless you prefer them.

Our Investigation Process

We follow a structured, proven approach to take the stress out of HMRC enquiries.

1. Initial assessment

We review the HMRC letter, assess the risk, and explain what it means for you in plain English.

2. Evidence gathering

We help you collect the right documents and prepare clear, consistent responses to HMRC’s questions.

3. Representation & negotiation

We handle all contact with HMRC — from written replies to meetings — and negotiate the best outcome.

If the enquiry escalates, we work with specialist counsel and barristers to protect your position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common concerns about HMRC compliance and investigations.

A compliance check is a routine review of a specific return or issue. An investigation is more in‑depth, often covering multiple years and potentially alleging fraud or deliberate error. Both require professional handling.

Don’t ignore it, and don’t reply without advice. Contact us immediately. We’ll review the letter and guide you on the next steps, including any deadlines.

Yes, HMRC has legal powers to require information and documents. However, they must follow proper procedure. We ensure requests are lawful and help you comply without over‑disclosing.

Penalties depend on the behaviour that led to the error (careless, deliberate, deliberate with concealment) and whether you disclose voluntarily. We work to minimise penalties by presenting your case favourably.

Most cases are settled without court. If we can’t reach an agreement, we can appeal to the tax tribunal. We’ll support you throughout, but court is rare.

Yes. HMRC investigations are managed remotely via secure portals, email, and video calls. We support clients across the UK.

Facing an HMRC enquiry? Don’t go it alone.

Contact us today for a confidential, no‑obligation discussion. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you take control.

Speak to an Expert Call 0333 789 1010

Ready to Streamline Your Accounts?

Contact MHC & CO today and let our experts handle your Accounts.

MHC & Co.

Chartered Accountants
54 Gloucester Road
North
Bristol
BS7 0SJ

Contact Us

Tel: +44 333 789 1010

Fax: +44 117 3737 449

Email: info@mhcandco.co.uk