Compliance check? HMRC’s new tool can guide you
HMRC have launched a new online Interactive Compliance Guidance tool. The tool aims to help you understand HMRC compliance checks. We explain more about the tool below.
Content on this page:
The Interactive Compliance Guidance tool
The Interactive Compliance Guidance tool aims to help you understand HMRC compliance checks. HMRC recognise that compliance checks can be stressful. So, HMRC have created this tool to help people and asked for feedback from organisations, including the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG), as they developed the tool.
The content of the Interactive Compliance Guidance tool
The tool brings together links to guidance pages on the GOV.UK website that explain different aspects of compliance checks. This will hopefully make it easier for you to find official compliance guidance and extra support if you find yourself faced with a compliance check.
The tool includes a variety of written guidance, supporting videos and suggestions as to what you should do next in a compliance check.
The structure of the Interactive Compliance Guidance tool
HMRC have structured the information in the tool so that it follows the normal flow of a compliance check. This should help to simplify and demystify the compliance check process for you.
Using the tool, you can find more information on:
- What HMRC compliance checks are and why they arise
- Why HMRC have requested specific information or documents
- How to ask for extra support because of your personal circumstances
- How to appoint someone to act on your behalf
- What to do if you disagree with a decision HMRC have made
- How to pay a tax assessment or penalty
This means you can use the tool throughout a compliance check – from when you receive the first letter to when you make any final payment. You can also find out about debt support.
How to find the Interactive Compliance Guidance tool
You can find the tool directly on GOV.UK on the tax compliance support page. You access the tool using the green button that reads “Find guidance and videos” towards the bottom of the page.
You should also be signposted to the tool when you receive an opening compliance check letter. During the course of the compliance check, key letters should also refer to the tool. Your caseworker is also likely to direct you to the tool.
More information
You can read HMRC’s press release on GOV.UK.
We have guidance on compliance checks and enquiries on our website.
