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A PAYE investigation can feel intrusive, stressful, and time-consuming. It can also expose your business to fines, backdated tax bills, and interest charges if HMRC finds any errors. At KinsellaTax, we make the process as painless as possible by managing communication with HMRC, resolving disputes quickly, and protecting your business from unnecessary penalties.

As one of the leading providers of tax investigation services in the UK, our team includes former Inland Revenue and HMRC inspectors who know exactly how these investigations work and how to keep HMRC in line. We fight for your rights and challenge every unfair claim to make sure any bill you receive is accurate and justified.

We’ve taken cases all the way to the First-Tier and Upper Tribunals, defending clients against excessive penalties and unfair assessments. Whatever stage your tax investigation is at, our experts are ready to act quickly on your behalf.

What Is a PAYE Investigation?

A PAYE investigation is carried out by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to check whether employers are correctly deducting and paying tax and National Insurance from employees’ wages.

These checks often cover a wide range of payroll areas, including:

Employment status National Insurance Contributions and deductions PAYE tax returns Benefits in kind Termination and redundancy payments

Every PAYE audit is different, but all require care and professional handling. HMRC may also share information from one enquiry with other departments, such as VAT, Corporation Tax, or Income Tax, which can lead to a much broader investigation.

Why Does HMRC Carry Out PAYE Audits?

A PAYE audit is often triggered by discrepancies or inconsistencies in payroll data, late submissions, or errors in payments. Sometimes, it’s simply a random compliance check.

Whatever the reason, the implications can be serious. HMRC has the power to issue penalties of up to 100% of the tax due, depending on the nature of any errors and how you cooperate during the process. That’s why it’s crucial to seek specialist tax advice before engaging with HMRC.

Our advice is simple: never go through a PAYE audit or HMRC meeting without expert representation. One wrong word or missing record can lead to unnecessary penalties.

Under HMRC investigation? Get expert help now.

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Why Choose KinsellaTax

KinsellaTax has built a strong reputation for defending individuals, employers, and businesses during PAYE investigations. Our team of tax investigation specialists includes experienced ex-HMRC and ex-Customs inspectors with a proven record of handling PAYE and employer compliance cases. With nationwide coverage, a 24-hour specialist tax advice line, and extensive tribunal experience, we’re ready to step in whenever you need expert support.

We take pride in our tax investigation services in the UK with strong negotiation skills, total confidentiality, and unwavering commitment to our clients. We don’t let HMRC push you around – we stand up for your rights and fight for fair treatment every step of the way.

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How We Handle Tax Investigations

At KinsellaTax, we take control of your case from the start. Here’s how we work:

  1. Initial Review: We examine HMRC’s letter and identify what triggered the investigation.
  2. Case Preparation: We gather all relevant payroll, tax, and accounting records to form a solid defence.
  3. Direct Communication: We handle every exchange with HMRC on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
  4. Resolution & Negotiation: We negotiate directly with HMRC to minimise or remove penalties wherever possible.

Our experience means we can spot weaknesses in HMRC’s case, respond strategically, and bring your investigation to a close as efficiently as possible.

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What To Do If You Receive an HMRC Investigation Letter

If HMRC has contacted you about a PAYE enquiry, don’t panic! But don’t go it alone either.

Follow these steps right away:

  • Do not speak directly to HMRC without professional advice
  • Collect all recent payroll and PAYE submission records
  • Contact KinsellaTax immediately for guidance

Our tax investigation specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 802 1311. The sooner you get in touch, the better we can protect your position and limit potential penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a PAYE investigation?

HMRC will review your payroll, PAYE records, and staff details to ensure everything has been reported correctly. Our experts handle all communication with HMRC to protect you from unnecessary stress or penalties.

Why have I been selected for a PAYE investigation?

It can be triggered by payroll errors, late submissions, or inconsistencies in your returns. Sometimes, it’s chosen randomly as part of HMRC’s routine compliance checks.

What is an HMRC PAYE audit?

A PAYE audit is a detailed review of your payroll system to confirm that tax and National Insurance contributions are correct. If issues are found, HMRC may request more information or open a full investigation.

Can I handle an HMRC investigation on my own?

You can, but it’s risky. Without expert advice, you may say or submit something that strengthens HMRC’s case; that’s why professional representation is vital.

What penalties can HMRC issue after a PAYE audit?

Penalties can reach up to 100% of any tax owed, depending on how HMRC views your cooperation and the nature of any errors. Our team can often reduce or eliminate these charges through careful negotiation.

How long does the investigation take?

It depends on the complexity of the case and HMRC’s response times. Straightforward cases might take weeks, while detailed audits can take several months.

Will the investigation affect my business?

Yes, it can, especially if it leads to wider tax enquiries or public scrutiny. Our specialists work quickly to limit disruption and close the investigation as smoothly as possible.

Can a PAYE investigation lead to other tax checks?

Yes, HMRC can share information from an investigation with departments handling VAT, Corporation Tax, or Income Tax. This is why it’s crucial to get tax investigation advice early and keep your records in order.

What should I do if I receive a letter from HMRC?

Don’t ignore it and don’t respond straight away. Contact KinsellaTax immediately. We’ll review the letter and deal directly with HMRC on your behalf.

Why should I choose KinsellaTax to represent me?

Because we know exactly how HMRC works. Our team includes former inspectors who’ve handled hundreds of tax investigations, and we’ll fight to secure the best possible outcome for you.