Wave goodbye to tax enquiry worries

Whether you’re a sole trader, contractor or limited company, a letter from HMRC can fill you with dread - but it doesn’t have to. With essential tax advice, protection against the cost of professional fees and representation from ex-HMRC inspectors in the event of a tax enquiry, you can protect your business for less

Scroll through the banners below to discover how FSB Tax Investigation Protection can support you and your business

No extra costs

Budget-friendly tax enquiry protection is essential for all small businesses, which is why it’s part of your membership. If we need help from your accountant during an enquiry, pre-agreed fees are covered. No surprise bills.

Up to £100,000 of protection

Even if your books are in order, you can still be selected by HMRC for an investigation at any time, and the costs of your defence can run into the thousands. With cover of up to £100,000 per claim, we’ve got your back.*

* Subject to FSB’s policy terms and conditions being satisfied. Exclusions apply.

Taxing questions?

We’ve got the answers. Call our tax and VAT advice line, staffed by tax experts, for guidance on taxation matters, from capital gains tax to Making Tax Digital.**

**Lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Experts in your corner

You can rely on a team of specialists with years of investigations experience to defend you, all the way to tribunal if necessary. We handle full and aspect enquiries on income and corporation tax, as well as disputes regarding employer compliance, IR35 or VAT.

We’ll do the talking

Your tax consultant, a former tax inspector, will liaise with you and your accountant as required, meet with you and the HMRC inspector as necessary and handle all enquiry correspondence. You’ll have honest, straightforward advice and assistance throughout the whole enquiry process.

Ongoing reassurance

Enquiries can take months or even years, but we’ll be by your side through it all with unlimited tax advice, leaving you with more time to focus on your business.

Peace of mind with PAYE

We take away the stress of a PAYE compliance audit. Whether it’s a dispute or information requests from HMRC, our tax experts are on hand to help.

24/7 guidance

Search our online legal library 24/7 for downloadable guides, templates and factsheets covering a range of taxation matters, all updated regularly.

Ready to get started?

How do I access this?

FSB members can access this benefit by logging into their account and selecting FSB Tax Investigation Protection form the "My Benefits" section of their member dashboard. Members can also access this benefit or book a callback directly from the FSB member app

Join the Federation of Small Businesses today

With FSB membership, you'll have all the support and protection you need to run and grow your business. From tax investigation protection to legal advice and local networking, discover how FSB membership can help your business thrive. 

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I’ve been chosen for a tax investigation, can I use my own accountant?

If HMRC has selected your business for a tax enquiry, as an FSB member you’ll be represented by experienced professionals who are all former tax inspectors. We will not pay for you to be represented by your own accountant. But, where we require assistance from your accountant, any reasonable fees agreed with your accountant in advance for the work being undertaken on our behalf will be met under the member benefit. 

Does this protection cover my personal finances too?

If the enquiry starts by looking into your business accounts and then HMRC decide to look at your personal finances, our tax investigations service will cover that.  

There is no fee protection for enquiries that only look at personal finances, however, in certain instances we have been able to assist in cases where there is a business connection. You can call our tax and VAT advice line for guidance on this. 

How far back can HMRC investigate?

Where a careless error has arisen, HMRC can go back six years to make similar adjustments, however, if the error was deliberate then HMRC is able to go back 20 years, resulting in the potential for significant liabilities including statutory interest and much harsher penalties. 

Latest resources from FSB Tax Investigation Protection

Maximise Your Membership
Video Wed, 02 October 2024

Maximise Your Membership

Join our panel of FSB staff as we discuss how to make the most of the many FSB benefits, from debt recovery and funding, to care and legal support.

HMRC enquiries: Complete guide for small businesses
Article Wed, 02 October 2024

HMRC enquiries: Complete guide for small businesses

Our guide to HMRC enquiries takes you through the whole process, including how long they take, what you need to do and how you can protect your business.

How to submit your VAT return
Article Tue, 04 June 2024

How to submit your VAT return

Getting started with your first VAT return? Our step-by-step guide takes you through what you need to know when filling in the paperwork.  

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