Overview

Clear support, focused on your needs.

Time limits and procedures depend on the issue. Contact us promptly with the correspondence you have received so we can discuss the circumstances, any deadlines and how we may be able to assist.

How we can help

01
Reviewing HMRC correspondence
02
Helping organise records and a response
03
Discussing enquiry or appeal processes
04
Clear communication about next steps and deadlines

Start with the actual letter

HMRC contacts people for many reasons, including requests for information, differences in a return, payment questions and formal enquiries. The first step is to understand precisely what the correspondence says: which tax and period it concerns, what is being requested and when a response is due. We can review the documents with you and discuss the nature of the issue. Do not ignore a letter because you think the underlying figures must be correct.

Gather a clear record

Keep the original letter, envelopes where dates may matter, earlier messages, returns and records relevant to the point raised. A chronological account of what happened is often more useful than sending an unstructured collection of files. If you have already replied or spoken to HMRC, note when and what was said. We can help identify information relevant to a response, but it is important not to guess at missing facts or alter records after the event.

A man reading a document at a desk with a laptop — Reading correspondence carefully

Enquiries and appeal routes

An enquiry, an assessment and an appeal are different processes. Whether an appeal is available, the steps involved and the applicable time limit depend on the decision and circumstances. We can discuss the correspondence and the options that may be open to you; no outcome can be promised. If you disagree with a figure, set out why and retain evidence supporting your position. Where the issue lies outside our agreed scope, we will discuss that before any work begins.

Act promptly, not hurriedly

A measured response still needs to respect the deadline in the notice. Contact us as soon as possible, particularly if the response date is close, so there is time to understand the request and assemble records. If you cannot immediately find everything, keep track of what is available and what remains outstanding. HMRC procedures and tax rules can change. The information here is general; what to do next depends on the letter you have actually received.

Tax and reporting rules can change. This page offers general information, not advice specific to your circumstances.

A common question

Keep the letter and any related records, note the response deadline and get in touch as soon as possible. We can review the correspondence with you and discuss what to do next.