A letter from HMRC? We'll take it from here.

Don't panic — but don't wait

Most HMRC letters are routine: a request for a missing return, a query about a figure, a reminder about a payment. Some are more serious — a formal compliance check, or a penalty. Either way, they usually come with a deadline, and acting early keeps your options open.

Send us a photo or scan of the whole letter. We'll tell you, in plain English, what it means and what happens next.

Getting authorised as your agent

Before we can speak to HMRC for you, we need to be authorised as your agent. For most taxes this is done online and takes a few minutes of your time. Once it's in place, HMRC will deal with us directly.

Compliance checks

A compliance check is HMRC looking more closely at a return or a particular entry. It doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. We gather the records, check them ourselves first, and reply with a clear explanation. If we find a mistake, we'll tell you before HMRC does and help put it right.

Penalties and appeals

Late filing and late payment penalties can build up quickly. If you had a reasonable excuse — serious illness, a bereavement, a problem with HMRC's systems — we'll prepare an appeal setting out what happened. Appeals usually need to be made within 30 days of the penalty notice.

Putting past years right

If income was left off past returns — rental income, a side business, overseas income — HMRC runs disclosure routes that generally lead to lower penalties than waiting to be found. We'll help you work out what's owed, use the right route and agree a payment plan if you need one.