There's no single right answer. Good accountants handle many HMRC enquiries well, specialists add most in serious or complex cases, and routine matters can often be managed yourself with the right structure. It comes down to matching the support to your case.
For routine compliance checks and straightforward corrections, your accountant, or self-guided support, is often the right fit. For COP9, COP8, suspected fraud, large sums, offshore matters or anything that could become criminal, a tax investigation specialist is usually worth it.
Your accountant knows your affairs and your records, which is a real advantage. Many handle aspect enquiries, compliance checks and simple corrections very effectively. If they prepared the return in question, they can also explain how the figures were arrived at.
Specialists deal with these processes every day and know how HMRC's specialist teams approach them. Our panel are Specialist Tax Investigation Experts — many of whom are ex-HMRC inspectors. Code of Practice 9 and the Contractual Disclosure Facility Code of Practice 8 specialist investigations suspected deliberate behaviour or large amounts of tax offshore income, trusts and complex structures any risk of criminal investigation where the relationship with HMRC has become difficult
It isn't either/or. Specialists often work alongside a client's accountant: the accountant provides the records and computations, and the specialist leads the negotiation and the strategy.
For nudge letters, small disclosures and routine correspondence, self-guided support can resolve matters proportionately. Our Co-Pilot provides structure, drafting and deadline tracking, and you can refer to a specialist at any stage if the case turns out to be bigger than expected.
How many cases like mine have you handled recently? How will you charge, and what is likely to affect the total cost? Who will actually do the work? What is your view of the likely outcome and the main risks?
Fees vary with complexity. In serious cases, specialist input often reduces penalties and settlement amounts by more than it costs. Ask for a clear fee estimate at the start.
Yes, and it is common. The accountant supplies records and figures, and the specialist leads the HMRC negotiation.
For routine matters, yes. For COP9, suspected fraud or large sums, specialist advice before replying is often worthwhile.