HMRC Has Expanded Its Investigation Capabilities
HMRC has significantly increased the number of staff in its investigation and compliance departments, including specialists in:
- Tax investigations and audits
- Digital and data analytics
- Offshore income and international tax compliance
- Forensic accounting and record analysis
With more staff and advanced technology, HMRC can now:
- Conduct more frequent and complex investigations
- Cross-check declarations with banking, travel, social media, and payment platforms
- Review multi-year transactions and high-value lifestyle discrepancies
Even minor errors or undeclared income can now trigger detailed investigations.
How HMRC Gathers Information
HMRC can request and review information from multiple sources:
- Directly from you: tax returns, bank statements, invoices, contracts, and accounting records
- Third parties: banks, employers, clients, suppliers
- Public records: Companies House filings, land registry, property records
- Digital and online sources: social media, travel bookings, online marketplaces, payment platforms
Advanced analytics and machine-learning tools allow HMRC to match lifestyle and income patterns with declared tax, identifying discrepancies quickly.
Why You Need Expert Help
Professional support is essential because HMRC now combines:
- Highly trained staff reviewing cases
- AI and super-computer-style analytics cross-referencing multiple data sources
- Legal and accounting expertise to analyse complex transactions
We help clients:
- Organise records: bank statements, invoices, contracts, travel confirmations, social media evidence
- Prepare voluntary disclosures under COP8 or COP9 to minimise penalties
- Communicate with HMRC professionally and strategically
- Manage digital evidence with forensic support if needed
Prevent future issues through compliance advice and record-keeping systems
Practical Tips for Clients
- Preserve all records immediately — social media posts, emails, travel confirmations, receipts, device data
- Do not attempt to handle HMRC alone — professional guidance reduces risk
- Gather evidence proactively — screenshots, invoices, confirmations
- Seek specialist advice early — the sooner we act, the better the outcome
- Be transparent and thorough — full voluntary disclosure reduces penalties and prevents escalation
How HMRC Uses These Capabilities
- Routine compliance checks to verify returns and records
- COP8/COP9 investigations for potential underpayments or deliberate concealment
- Dispute resolution to clarify discrepancies
- AML and tax risk assessments for businesses and regulated sectors
Even public posts, travel, and payment patterns can be used to flag potential issues.
Why Clients Trust Us
- Years of experience resolving HMRC investigations and tax disputes
- Expertise in tax law, accounting, and digital/forensic evidence
- Practical, personalised, results-driven approach
In Short
HMRC has more staff, better technology, and stronger powers than ever. But with early action, accurate records, and expert support, even serious investigations can be resolved efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Get in touch today to protect your finances, reputation, and peace of mind.
How can Accounts Tax Group help?
Facing an investigation into your tax affairs by HMRC can be daunting, time consuming and costly.
Call us for a no obligation conversation to discuss your tax problem and see if we can assist.
We are on your side and we will protect your interests when dealing with HMRC.
Ask us for help today
020 8499 8065
Don't Delay
Delays only make matters worse. Our team are on your side and work with HMRC every day, helping our client resolve their tax issues.
Are You Facing A Complex Tax Investigation Or HMRC Enquiry?
Our highly experienced tax specialists work closely with HMRC on behalf of clients every day — providing authoritative, confidential guidance backed by years of experience.