This could be a matter of a week or two, or take years of ongoing investigation. Obviously the longer a tax investigation goes on the more costly it becomes, which is why most wise business owners subscribe to a tax investigation fee protection service to offset potential costs.
How long can HMRC keep a VAT Enquiry open?
4 years
Once an enquiry has been opened into your tax affairs, the HMRC have 4 years from the end of the tax year concerned to issue a discovery assessment.
What is the time limit for correcting VAT errors?
The time limit for adjusting returns and correcting errors, including making claims, was increased with effect from 1 April 2009 from 3 years to 4 years.
Do VAT returns get checked?
VAT officers can visit your business to inspect your VAT records (known as compliance checks) and make sure you’re paying or reclaiming the right amount of VAT . HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) usually contact you to arrange a visit. They normally give you 7 days’ notice.
How far back can a VAT inspection go?
The VAT inspection can go back three rolling years from the present day. So to give an example, if they came and did an investigation here and now in January 2019, they could only go back to January 2016 as part of their search. Everything after that isn’t counted and will not be checked.
When to call HMRC for a vat enquiry?
Only call HMRC if your VAT enquiry is urgent. Please have your VAT registration number and postcode if you need to call. You cannot pay, or agree time to pay using this phone number. Find out what to do if you cannot pay your tax bill on time. This helpline uses speech recognition software, so you will be asked why you are calling HMRC.
How long does it take for VAT adviser to reply?
Replies can take up to 15 working days. Advisers can only talk to you about VAT, Making Tax Digital for VAT or using VAT online services. They will not be able to transfer you to another webchat team. Webchat is unavailable at the moment because of technical problems. Webchat is closed at the moment. All webchat advisers are busy at the moment.
How long back can HMRC go in a tax investigation?
If someone has been visibly careless (submitting tax returns with mistakes), HMRC can journey back 6 years.
Where can I find out information about VAT?
You can also find out information in: Phone lines are less busy between 8.30am and 11am, Monday to Friday Get help using VAT online services if you need help using or registering for VAT online services. Please only write to HMRC about general VAT questions, if you are unable to contact us online. Replies may take longer than 15 working days.
