Tax Investigations

An increasing trend

The revenue raised from tax investigations has increased significantly and this trend is likely to continue. Investigations can be extremely stressful and are potentially costly - in both monetary terms and the disruption they can cause. Grant Thornton can help you by:

• working with you to manage the enquiry
• protecting your business and/or personal assets
• dealing with the authorities on your behalf
• providing practical solutions to minimise future risks
• negotiating with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to achieve pragmatic and commercial solutions and settlements
• allowing you to focus on running your business.

Our team has experience with offshore issues; civil and criminal investigations; voluntary disclosure and raids of premises by HMRC.

A proactive approach

By risk assessing taxpayers, HMRC is able to apply its resources to maximise its yield from enquiries and investigations. Businesses assessed as 'low risk' will face very limited enquiries for up to three years from that assessment. 'higher risk' businesses will face more rigorous scrutiny.

At Grant Thornton we are experienced in managing tax risk and dealing with HMRC and can provide a truly independent view of your risk position. We can advise on moving to a low risk rating and keeping it by:

• assisting in writing and implementing a tax strategy
• helping you improve systems and processes
• giving an independent view on how your tax planning will stand up to scrutiny from HMRC.

Supporting other professionals

We also offer a tax investigation support service, primarily for accountants and solicitors and other professionals. The service is intended to support the adviser's relationship with the client, rather than being in conflict with it. Our team of tax investigation specialists are available to offer advice by phone or by personal meeting if preferred. Membership is free and without obligation.

For further information please contact: Paul Roberts, Tax Investigations Partner, London on +44 (0)20 7728 2777 or email paul.roberts@gtuk.com; Grant Summers, Partner, Manchester on +44 (0)161 953 6425 or email grant.summers@gtuk.com; Steven Phillips, Client Service Director, Belfast on +44 (0)28 90316522 or email steven.phillips@gtuk.com; Philip Espin, Client Service Director, Yorkshire & East Midlands on +44 (0)114 262 9762 or email philip.m.espin@gtuk.com or Gary Ashford, Client Service Director, Birmingham on +44 (0)121 232 5120  or email gary.ashford@gtuk.com.