VAT Investigation

HMRC VAT investigations are stressful, time-consuming and can escalate quickly if early responses are wrong. Our experienced VAT investigation team represents you from the first letter to final settlement: we manage every HMRC interaction, challenge assessments that overreach and work to minimise VAT, penalties and disruption.

Types of VAT Investigations

HMRC conducts a range of VAT interventions: - VAT Enquiries: routine checks into returns and compliance — often triggered by repayment claims - VAT Audits and Compliance Visits: comprehensive reviews of records, systems and returns - VAT Disputes: disagreements over the VAT treatment of transactions, from property to partial exemption - VAT Fraud Investigations: serious cases including alleged evasion, where specialist representation is essential from day one

What Triggers a VAT Investigation?

Common triggers include repayment returns, figures out of line with your sector, persistent late filing, discrepancies between VAT returns and accounts or other HMRC data, cash-based trading, and one-off events such as large property transactions. Understanding the trigger shapes the response — and often shows the quickest route to closing the check.

Our VAT Investigation Support

We start by assessing HMRC's position and reviewing your records before anything is submitted, then take over all liaison: information requests, correspondence and meetings. Where errors exist, we quantify and disclose them on the best available terms; where HMRC is wrong, we push back with technical argument and evidence. If matters can't be agreed, we handle statutory reviews, alternative dispute resolution and appeals to the tax tribunal — and we negotiate penalties throughout, since behaviour, disclosure and cooperation drive the final figures.

Reducing the Damage — and Preventing the Next One

Beyond settlement, we identify what caused the exposure — systems, treatment decisions or documentation — and fix it, so one investigation doesn't become a pattern. Many of our VAT specialists previously worked for HMRC, giving you a realistic view of what HMRC will accept and how to get there quickly.

What You Get With Acumon

• All HMRC communications handled from first letter to settlement
• Pre-submission review of records so responses help rather than harm
• Technical challenge of incorrect assessments and treatments
• Penalty negotiation grounded in disclosure and cooperation factors
• Statutory reviews, ADR and tribunal appeal support
• Post-investigation fixes so problems don't recur

Why Acumon for VAT Investigation?

• Covers HMRC VAT enquiries, audits, disputes and fraud investigations
• Many of Acumon's VAT specialists previously worked for HMRC
• Integrated with the firm's wider tax investigation and COP9 expertise

Get a Fixed-Fee Quote

Tell us what you need and we'll come back within one business day with a clear scope and a fixed price — no hourly-rate surprises. Call 020 8567 3451 or use the form and we'll be in touch.