HMRC Investigations
HMRC investigations and enquiries. A letter from HMRC is not an accusation. How you respond to it matters more than most people assume.
HMRC get a bad press and you often only hear of the nightmare scenarios.
We help clients deal with investigations every year and often get a good result. We know what HMRC are looking for and what they need to see, a lot of the time it’s about how you interact with the investigator that makes a big difference.
We also offer a fee protection policy that covers our fees if we need to do work to help you deal with HMRC.
How we deal with HMRC investigations with creatives
HMRC opens compliance checks and investigations for a range of reasons: random selection, a specific risk indicator, or a targeted concern about a particular claim or industry.
WallsMan Creative represents UK creative businesses and freelancers through HMRC enquiries, from the first letter to resolution, dealing with correspondence directly as your appointed agent.
Anyone who has received a letter from HMRC opening an enquiry, a compliance check, or requesting information.
Businesses that have made a claim likely to draw scrutiny: R&D, creative industry reliefs, large VAT repayments — and want representation lined up before, not after, a letter arrives.
Anyone worried about a past return: whether something was missed, misclassified, or should be voluntarily disclosed before HMRC finds it independently.
Frequently Asked Questions about HMRC investigations
An HMRC investigation is a formal review of your tax affairs where HMRC requests records and explanations to ensure your returns are accurate and compliant.
Investigations can be triggered by unusual tax returns, inconsistent records, late filings, or random selection – and not all triggers imply wrongdoing.
Yes – we act on your behalf, liaise with HMRC, prepare responses, and protect your interests throughout the process.
HMRC typically asks for bank statements, invoices, contracts, accounting records, payroll data, and documentation supporting key deductions or claims.
Duration varies by complexity but most routine enquiries conclude within a few weeks to several months depending on the scope.
If discrepancies are found, HMRC may adjust your liability, assess penalties or interest; we work to resolve issues and minimise adverse outcomes.
It's best to contact us as soon as you receive any HMRC enquiry so we can respond promptly and professionally.