The following Personal Tax guidance note by Tolley in association with Emma Broadbent of Grant Thornton provides comprehensive and up to date tax information covering:
When HMRC issues a notice that it is checking a return, the opening letter will invariably request information and documents. The opening letter under TMA 1970, s 9A (for individuals and trustees), TMA 1970 s 12AC (for partnerships) or FA 1998, Sch 18, para 24 (for companies - subscription sensitive) is sent to the taxpayer, with a copy to the agent if the taxpayer is represented. These letters will often be different in tone and content.
The opening letter to the agent will usually encourage an early phone call to discuss the check and enclose an information sheet asking about computer based records. The opening letter to the taxpayer will not mention any of this but does explain what happens when the check has been completed. The format of the letter to the agent is typically a notification of the check followed by details of why the check is being made (see below).
Please click here for a typical letter which might be sent to a taxpayer to open a check into a self assessment tax return.
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Please click here for a typical letter which might be sent to an agent to open a check into a client's self assessment tax return.
The opening section of the letter will advise which return period the check applies to and the statutory basis for the check, unless it is an informal check.
It is important for the adviser to make sure that the statutory basis used and the return period that HMRC is checking is valid and that it is within the appropriate time limits. Brief discussion of the normal time limits and legislative framework for checking returns is included in the Types of checks on
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