It Happens

Running your own business as a sole trader or partner offers freedom and flexibility — but it also brings responsibility.

Between serving clients, managing expenses, and keeping the business running, it’s easy for tax obligations to slip.

Sometimes self-assessment returns are filed late, VAT builds up, or income isn’t declared correctly.

It’s rarely deliberate. But when HMRC gets involved, the situation must be managed carefully, professionally, and with discretion.

We Have Helped Many Sole Traders & Partners – We Can Help You

If you’re a sole trader or business partner facing:

• Late or unfiled self-assessment returns
• VAT arrears or registration issues
• Under-reported income or expenses
• HMRC enquiries (COP8/COP9) or tax investigations

…we can help you put things right and protect both your business and personal reputation.

Our services include:

• Preparing and submitting voluntary disclosures to HMRC
• Negotiating to reduce penalties, surcharges, and interest
• Time-to-Pay arrangements for overdue tax
• Reviewing income, expenses, and VAT accuracy
• Representing you directly with HMRC, discreetly and effectively

Our aim is to resolve your situation, minimise financial damage, and help you rebuild a compliant, sustainable position with HMRC.

It’s More Common Than You Think

Many self-employed professionals assume they are alone in facing HMRC problems — they are not.

We see hundreds of sole traders and partners every year with serious tax arrears or compliance issues caused by:

• Overwork and administrative pressure
• Poor bookkeeping or advice
• Cash flow problems
• Missed VAT or income declarations

In most cases, the earlier you act, the better the outcome. HMRC tends to look far more favourably on voluntary disclosures than on prompted investigations.

What Do Serious HMRC Issues Look Like for Sole Traders?

Common examples include:

• Several years of unfiled tax returns
• Inaccurate income or expense reporting
• VAT non-compliance or late registration
• Use of personal accounts for business transactions
• Under-declared cash income
• Partnership disputes affecting filings

HMRC considers cases with recoveries over £50,000 as serious — but with professional representation, penalties can be reduced and outcomes managed fairly.

Why Sole Traders Delay Acting

Many hesitate out of fear — fear of penalties, prosecution, or reputational harm.

Some assume the issue has gone unnoticed, while others hope it will “sort itself out.”

Unfortunately, tax problems only grow with time. Acting early is always the best decision.

We handle all communication with HMRC, keeping matters confidential and ensuring your focus stays on running your business.

The Impact of HMRC Tax Problems

Tax issues can quickly become overwhelming. They affect:

1. Cash flow and access to finance
2. Personal wellbeing and stress levels
3. Relationships with clients and suppliers
4. Long-term business stability

Our role is to reduce the pressure, find a workable solution, and get you back on track with as little disruption as possible.

There Is Always a Solution

Whether you’ve fallen behind on filings, underpaid VAT, or haven’t declared income for years — we can help.

We will:

1. Review your tax position confidentially.
2. Prepare a full voluntary disclosure to HMRC.
3. Negotiate settlements, penalties, and payment terms.
4. Help you maintain compliance going forward.

We’ve resolved countless HMRC issues for self-employed professionals and partners — often preventing escalation or legal action.