Overview
HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) teams bring together HMRC’s top investigators to undertake enquiries into the most serious or high value cases. These teams are responsible for investigations carried out under Code of Practice 8 (suspected tax avoidance) and Code of Practice 9 (suspected serious tax fraud or tax evasion). Fraud Investigation Service teams are also responsible for complex offshore cases.
Tax investigations will often appear to be conducted by a different office of HMRC, with the Fraud Investigation Service team behind the scenes. This will happen if, for example, HMRC are obtaining evidence on a taxpayer’s affairs before they commence a Code of Practice 9 investigation.
In addition, these teams consult with the Criminal Prosecutions team to decide which cases will be investigated under Code of Practice 8 or Code of Practice 9 and which cases will be subjected to Criminal Tax Investigations with a view to obtaining a criminal prosecution.
How can WLH Tax Help
Cases undertaken by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service teams are amongst the most serious cases. If you are subjected to an investigation by one of these teams it is essential that you are properly represented.
WLH Tax is a specialist tax investigation practice. Our team is experienced at dealing with tax investigations carried out by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service teams. We have regular contact will all the FIS teams as well as the operational leaders for these teams.
We will defend your interests in order to minimise the effects of the investigation, not only in terms of the costs in tax and associated penalties but also in terms of the professional fees incurred. We will also shield you, as far as possible, from the stresses and strains involved in being the subject of a thorough investigation by HMRC’s best investigators.
WLH Tax will negotiate any additional tax which may be due, and will put forward arguments to minimise your tax liability and the penalty charged.
If HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service has opened an enquiry into you or your business then please contact us for a free, confidential and no obligation discussion. We are happy to have an initial free of charge meeting with prospective clients.