Expert Tax Investigation Services for Individuals and Businesses
Receiving a notice from HMRC can be overwhelming, whether the review is random or focused on a specific concern. These enquiries can interrupt your work, create uncertainty, and lead to penalties if not handled with care.
Pearl Lemon Tax provides a professional tax investigation service designed to manage every stage of the process. Our experts prepare responses for HMRC, organise supporting documents, review past filings, and communicate on your behalf. As a tax investigation agency, we work to protect your position while keeping your records accurate and compliant.
Our company supports individuals and businesses facing HMRC enquiries with clear guidance and steady management, helping you move through the process with confidence.
Our Services
Our tax investigation service supports individuals and businesses facing anything from routine HMRC checks to complex fraud enquiries. Every service is delivered with clarity and control, ensuring your case is managed professionally while protecting your company and reputation at every stage.
HMRC Enquiry Management
When HMRC opens an enquiry into your accounts or returns, early action is essential. Many individuals and businesses face issues when submitting incomplete details or responding after key deadlines.
Our agency manages the entire enquiry process with accuracy and clear communication.
Our service includes:
Reviewing HMRC correspondence and confirming the scope of the enquiry.
Preparing structured, compliant responses with supporting documentation.
Acting as your representative in all communication with HMRC.
Monitoring progress and ensuring all requirements are met on time.
With our team handling the process, you can continue managing your company while we take care of the details.
Self-Assessment and Personal Tax Investigations
Individuals are now facing more frequent tax reviews as HMRC expands digital monitoring, and even minor reporting errors can lead to a full review of your financial records.
As your personal tax advisor, we represent private clients throughout all stages of personal tax investigations.
Our service includes:
Reviewing Self-Assessment returns for inconsistencies or risk indicators.
Collecting income and asset documentation required for HMRC checks.
Responding to queries related to foreign income, property, or capital gains.
Negotiating settlements and arranging time-to-pay plans when needed.
You’ll have a professional team presenting your position clearly and accurately at every stage.
Business and Corporation Tax Investigations
Corporate investigations often begin with data mismatches or VAT irregularities and may extend into payroll, expenses, and director accounts.
With our corporate tax consulting agency, we support limited companies and partnerships throughout the full investigation process.
We handle:
Reviewing accounting records and corporation tax computations.
Identifying errors or omissions before HMRC raises further concerns.
Preparing reconciliations and clear explanations for unusual transactions.
Coordinating with auditors or bookkeepers to keep reporting aligned.
Our method helps you resolve the matter efficiently while maintaining business continuity.
VAT Investigations and Inspections
VAT is one of the most frequent triggers for HMRC investigations, particularly in sectors with complex supply chains or mixed-use properties.
With our VAT consultancy company, we help you prepare for and manage VAT audits and compliance checks.
Our support includes:
Reviewing VAT returns and reconciliations before inspection.
Advising on partial exemption, input tax recovery, and zero-rating matters.
Attending HMRC meetings or site visits on your behalf.
Drafting structured responses to VAT assessments and penalties.
With accurate records and clear explanations, we reduce your exposure and ease the pressure during an inspection.
Code of Practice 9 (COP9) and Fraud Investigations
When HMRC suspects deliberate tax fraud, it may begin a COP9 investigation through the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF). The process is serious, and having the right support makes a significant difference.
We provide full representation for COP9 cases.
Our service covers:
Reviewing HMRC allegations and examining all evidence.
Preparing detailed disclosure reports to help secure protection from prosecution.
Negotiating settlements and working toward reduced penalties.
Managing communication to protect your position and reputation.
With experienced guidance, even complex fraud investigations can be handled with clarity and control.
Code of Practice 8 (COP8) and Complex Tax Disputes
COP8 cases often arise from tax avoidance arrangements or significant irregularities, and these enquiries can continue for long periods without effective management.
We handle high-value and technical COP8 disputes.
Our service includes:
Reviewing the structure of the arrangements under investigation.
Preparing clear, factual and technical explanations for HMRC.
Engaging in settlement discussions to bring the enquiry to a close.
Working alongside legal advisers where there is a risk of litigation.
Our aim is to reach a fair resolution while limiting financial exposure and reputational impact.
Voluntary Disclosure and Settlement
When errors exist in your tax affairs, a voluntary disclosure can resolve them before HMRC identifies the issue, often reducing penalties and demonstrating good compliance.
We handle tax investigations and voluntary disclosure submissions thoroughly.
Our service includes:
Reviewing past returns and spotting discrepancies.
Calculating any underpaid tax, interest, and potential penalties.
Preparing disclosure reports and supporting negotiation letters.
Liaising with HMRC to finalise settlements efficiently.
Managed carefully, voluntary disclosure closes matters effectively while showing good faith.
Tax Investigation Prevention and Monitoring
Once an investigation ends, preventing future ones becomes the next priority. HMRC often revisits businesses with inconsistent reporting or late filings.
Our agency provides ongoing compliance monitoring to keep your records in order.
Our prevention service includes:
- Regular reviews of tax returns and filings.
- Monitoring changes in legislation that may affect your position.
- Providing training and process reviews for finance teams.
- Conducting mock audits to identify weak spots.
By maintaining strong compliance, you reduce the risk of future enquiries and keep operations uninterrupted.
Why Choose Us
Our tax investigation experts guide clients through every type of HMRC enquiry, from routine checks to complex compliance cases. We understand how investigations unfold, what HMRC expects, and how to respond effectively. You’ll always have professional support and clear guidance.
Each case is managed with discretion, accuracy, and calm communication. We focus on resolving matters efficiently while safeguarding your finances and reputation. A single point of contact ensures clarity, no delays, and no confusion throughout the process.
Industry Statistics That Matter
- HMRC opens more than 300,000 tax investigations each year across all categories.
- Over £30 billion in additional tax revenue is recovered annually through compliance activity.
- Around 25% of small businesses experience a tax review within three years.
- Digital data matching now drives 85% of new investigation cases.
- Professional representation reduces investigation penalties by up to 60%.
Frequently Asked Questions
HMRC may open an enquiry due to random selection, discrepancies in returns, or third-party data suggesting undeclared income.
Yes, we prioritise time-sensitive tasks, organise submissions efficiently, and manage communications to meet deadlines while keeping everything accurate.
Minor cases may close in a few months, while complex enquiries or fraud cases can take over a year.
Yes, we handle complex personal tax cases, organise multiple income sources, and prepare accurate submissions to ensure the investigation is fully managed.
We handle all record reviews, prepare submissions, and communicate with HMRC on your behalf. Each step is managed efficiently so you don’t need to manage filings or correspondence yourself.
Partner with UK Tax Investigation Specialists Who Protect Your Interests
A tax investigation doesn’t have to derail your business or peace of mind. With Pearl Lemon Tax by your side, you’ll have skilled advisors who understand how to manage HMRC efficiently and reach fair resolutions.
Book a consultation today and let’s discuss how we can bring your tax investigation to a close.
