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Fee protection

Reassurance and support when you need it most.

A tax investigation by HMRC is a disruptive and stressful event . Even when everything is in order, it can take time and significant expense to resolve.

By using data sources from multiple touchpoints and investing in ever-sophisticated technology to identify discrepancies in your records, your digital profile is more likely than ever to attract attention if there are even minor inconsistencies, even if they are explainable or accidental.

By investing in our fee protection scheme, you can be reassured that the vast majority of the cost of an HMRC investigation into your tax affairs will be covered, putting you in a better position to challenge assessments that you believe to be inaccurate or unreasonable.

Talk to us about fee protection.

Richard Wolk –
Director of Tax

Most investigations aren’t about wrongdoing but still take time and still come at a cost. Fee protection removes that uncertainty.

Do you need fee protection?

You should have fee protection in place if any of the following apply to you:

You’re a business-owner or director.
You’re an individual with multiple income streams.
You own or have invested in property.
You have complex or evolving tax affairs.
You want or need certainty around potential professional costs.

The benefits of fee protection include:

Protection.

You’ll be guarding against unexpected accountancy costs at a time when you need support the most.

Support.

Business clients who take out our fee protection also have access to one of the UK’s premier business support helplines, providing guidance in company law, employment law, landlord and tenant law, and health and safety. All included in the premium.

Predictability.

During the stress of an unexpected tax investigation, you’ll at least know your costs are predictable and manageable, rather than open-ended.

Talk to us about fee protection

Why choose us for your fee protection?

Talk to us about fee protection

We’ll provide you with a calm, experienced and professional approach when you need it most.
We’ll explain the cover and limitations in transparent and plain terms.
You’ll get support from advisers who already know your affairs.
We’ll manage the investigation, support you throughout and act as your first point of contact with HMRC, keeping you informed at every stage.
We’ll work efficiently to resolve matters as quickly as possible

Our aim is to protect your position, your time and your peace of mind.

From accountancy & tax to financial planning and long-term strategy, Simpson Wood works closely with business-owners, individuals and families to provide independent advice, delivered with care, clarity and commercial understanding.
Richard Wolk – Director of Tax

Why do HMRC investigations happen?

Changes or inconsistencies in reporting.
Random selection.
Industry-wide review.
Complex or evolving tax affairs.

An enquiry does not mean you have done anything wrong. However, it does make professional involvement essential.

What happens in the event of an investigation if you don’t have fee protection?

You cannot stop or refuse an investigation initiated by HMRC. It can take significant time and expertise to see it through, resulting in spiralling costs with no definite end date.

This cost consideration, as well as the stress and disruption caused by the costs and the investigation itself, can impact your response to the enquiry and make you less able to challenge HMRC’s assertions. This can prolong enquiries or lead to unfavourable and unfair outcomes.

Trying to manage the investigation yourself is a significant strain on your time and leaves you vulnerable if you are working without an experienced professional adviser to manage communications and negotiations.

Making sure you’ve got the right fee protection in place removes this scenario and gives you reassurance and support when you need it most.

Talk to us about fee protection