Tax Investigation Insurance and Advice

Save with membership

Don’t pay more to protect your bottom line. Budget-friendly tax investigation insurance is essential for all small businesses, which is why it’s included with FSB membership.

Up to £100,000

Even if your books are in order, you can still be selected by HMRC for an investigation at any time. With cover of up to £100,000 per claim, you'll have peace of mind.

Team of tax experts

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

Already an FSB member? Log in to your member dashboard to access this benefit.

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, protect your business for less.

HMRC enquiries look at several different areas of tax, such as VAT, PAYE compliance or IR35 investigations. If we need help from your accountant during an enquiry, pre-agreed fees are covered. No surprise bills.

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.

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.

Taxing questions? You’ll have peace of mind

Expert Tax Support

Get support with a range of day-to-day taxation matters, including Capital Gains Tax, income and corporation tax, as well as disputes regarding employer compliance, IR35 or VAT.

Online support

Search our extensive online legal library for downloadable guides, templates and factsheets – or call our tax and VAT advice line for advice from tax experts.

Peace of mind with PAYE

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

Find the answers

Call our tax and VAT advice line, staffed by tax experts, for guidance on taxation matters, from capital gains tax to MTD.

Straightforward advice

You won’t need to stress or worry at the prospect of a tax enquiry – simply pick up the phone straight away. You’ll have honest, straightforward advice and assistance throughout the whole enquiry process.

Further discounts

FSB members get a 20% discount on R&D (research and development) Tax Relief claims. Our experts can help you navigate HMRC’s process.

Start your membership now

Unlock big savings on business essentials when you join the Federation of Small Businesses. FSB Tax Protection is just one of many member benefits designed to help small business owners like you to succeed.

Join now

Frequently asked questions

Does tax investigation protection cover my personal finances too?

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.

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.

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.

My accountant knows my business. Why can’t they deal with the enquiry?

This is strictly prohibited by the terms of the policy. The Markel specialist allocated to your enquiry will meet with you to discuss your business, record keeping and identify any matters that are relevant to the year of enquiry. In the same way, the Tax Inspector does not know the historical background to your business but will discuss all relevant factors during the course of the enquiry.

Knowing how to deal with HMRC enquiries is the important factor.

Will the FSB legal expenses insurance provide cover if HMRC have started asking questions before I become a member?

No, you must be a member of the FSB prior to the commencement of any HMRC incident.

What are the benefits of tax investigation insurance ➤

How long will an enquiry last and what will it cost?

HMRC latest figures suggest that the average length of an enquiry is 17 months and this figure is supported from an analysis of the claims handled for members. On average, accountancy fees are £3,500 - £5,000 to handle a straightforward enquiry into a sole trader or partnership and these will increase dependent on the size of the business or if complications arise. However, if you make your claim under the FSB legal benefits policy, there will be no accountancy fees to pay.

Find out more about HMRC enquiries ➤

Can FSB still help me to deal with a HMRC enquiry even if I cannot make an insurance claim?

Yes, FSB members have free telephone access to a Markel Tax investigation specialist who will be able to discuss the HMRC enquiry.

Furthermore, you can appoint the investigation specialist to provide hands on representation on a PAYG basis. The fee charged will be reduced for FSB members.

Tax Investigation Protection