HMRC Enquiries

We are business owners from Dumfries and Galloway and we have had the rather unfortunate experience of being subjected to an enquiry by HM Revenue & Customs.

We had previously thought our affairs had been correct and up to date, however, we had not fully understood the taxation system and were unaware of certain reporting requirements and the interaction with international tax issues.

Having never had any former experience of an HM Revenue & Customs enquiry we did not know what to expect but from the start of the enquiry Armstrong Watson, and in particular, Scott McIver assisted us throughout the process. 

When we first met Scott he immediately made us feel at ease and took on a great deal of the burden of the enquiry. Scott and his team, which also consisted of Graham Poles, collated and analysed all the necessary information. HM Revenue & Customs had requested details of our business and personal affairs for the previous 20 years and Armstrong Watson prepared a formal report for submission to HM Revenue & Customs.

Perhaps the most daunting aspect of the enquiry was the formal interview we had to attend with HM Revenue & Customs Officers. Scott and Graham both attended the meeting with us which provided us with a great deal of comfort.

Scott ensured there was always good and clear communication between us and HM Revenue & Customs so that we all knew exactly where we were, what was required and what needed to be done. 

As a direct result of their efforts the penalties which HM Revenue & Customs could impose were reduced as far as possible. This in itself was a great result, however, by far the greatest benefit was knowing that we had Armstrong Watson and Scott assisting us through the process.

Dumfries Client, Business Owner

I became subject to an enquiry by the Revenue with regard to a self employed individual who would assist from time to time in the business.  The Revenue wanted to argue that he was an employee and this would have significantly increased the costs of using this person.

I engaged Graham Poles of Armstrong Watson to assist with this enquiry and he immediately took control and pulled together evidence to support our argument.  After protracted correspondence and an internal review, HMRC agreed that the individual was self employed.  Graham was always professional in his dealings and ensured I knew what the position of the enquiry was at every step.  I would thoroughly recommend both him and Armstrong Watson.

Billy Bone, Firstprobe Limited

We were the subject of a serious tax enquiry into both the company and the directors, concerning a fraud, with a real risk of criminal prosecution.  The enquiry lasted for almost three years and throughout this period Andrew Mitchell was our rock, providing valuable advice and support to us in a calm and extremely professional manner and eventually negotiated a satisfactory financial settlement with HMRC.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew and Armstrong Watson to another client in a similar predicament.

Director, Manufacturing Company

We were recently left with a very complex family estate to unravel. Helen was able to guide us through the process of IHT submission to HMRC and help unravel a number of complex tax issues in a calm and professional manner. She answered all of our questions promptly and provided clear guidance as to the individual steps we needed to take, making the whole process a lot easier and simpler to deal with.

Helen's work meant we did not have to engage a solicitor to close the estate, thus saving expensive legal costs and time and also brought in other experts (Trust & Investment Funds) to advise us as and when needed. At all times we found Helen easy and pleasant to deal with no matter how stressed we were with having to deal with what was essentially an emotional roller coaster ride. The estate took over two years to close out, but without Helen's support it would still be going on now.

I would recommend Helen and Armstrong Watson without any hesitation or reservation; they are the “go to source” for all financial issues and advice in my opinion.

Phil & Justine Waddington

Engineered Assistance Ltd design and manufacture specialist mobility equipment for the healthcare sector, and are based in West Yorkshire.

The Armstrong Watson team helped us prepare R&D tax relief claims since the company was first incorporated and have saved us huge amounts of tax which we have consequently been able to reinvest in our technology.

The team have a great understanding of the R&D tax relief rules and his advice has been invaluable in not only preparing accurate claims for HMRC, but also maximising the tax relief available.  I would definitely recommend Armstrong Watson to any company who think they might be able to make a claim.

Dane McGee, Managing Director, Engineered Assistance Ltd