Hearing from HMRC can be unsettling — we’ll deal with them for you.

Whether it’s a letter opening an enquiry, a disagreement over how much tax you owe, or the realisation that something needs putting right, it’s easy to feel out of your depth.

We look after individuals, directors and businesses through every kind of dealing with HMRC — from a routine check on a tax return through to serious fraud investigations. We take the pressure off and deal with HMRC on your behalf.

Explore how we can help.

Whatever you are facing, we can help you get it sorted.

HMRC Disputes

When you don't agree with HMRC — from a first conversation through to tribunal.

Not every disagreement with HMRC has to become a battle. Most are settled through discussion — but if that isn't working, we're beside you for the formal routes too.

We can help with:

  • Talking to HMRC on your behalf to resolve disagreements over tax, penalties or interest before they escalate.
  • Statutory reviews — asking HMRC to have someone independent look at a decision again.
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) — mediation to settle things without a tribunal.
  • Representing you at the First-tier and Upper Tribunal, bringing in specialist tax counsel where it's the right call.
  • Appealing penalties for late filing, an inaccurate return, or a failure to notify.

Our aim is always to resolve things at the earliest, least stressful stage — and if it does need to go further, you'll have proper representation the whole way.

Voluntary Disclosures

Putting something right before HMRC finds it, on the best terms available to you.

If you've realised something isn't right — undeclared income, an error from a while back, or something more serious — it's tempting to hope it goes unnoticed. With more and more businesses sharing information with HMRC, the greater the chance of HMRC potentially finding out about it an approaching you first. Coming forward yourself is always better. HMRC treats voluntary disclosures far more favourably than problems it uncovers itself, and penalties are usually much lower as a result. Be proactive not reactive.

We can help with:

  • Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF) — for undeclared offshore income, gains or assets.
  • Let Property Campaign — for landlords who haven't declared rental income.
  • Digital Disclosure Service (DDS) — HMRC's general route for putting right other undeclared income or gains.
  • Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) — where fraud may be involved and a formal COP9 disclosure is the right path.
  • Any other disclosure that doesn't fit neatly into one of HMRC's campaigns.

We'll take time to understand your situation, work out what's owed including interest and penalties, and guide you through the disclosure so it's done properly — without unnecessary stress.

HMRC Enquiries

Checks, compliance visits and full investigations, including COP8 and COP9.

HMRC opens enquiries for all sorts of reasons — sometimes routine, sometimes more serious. They range from a simple request for information to a full investigation under Code of Practice 9, where HMRC suspects fraud.

We can help with:

  • Code of Practice 8 (COP8) enquiries — where HMRC believes tax has been avoided or underpaid, but doesn't suspect fraud
  • Code of Practice 9 (COP9) enquiries and the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) — HMRC's process for suspected serious tax fraud. It's a daunting letter to receive, but there is a clear path through it, and we'll handle the disclosure and the communications with HMRC's investigators for you.
  • Self-Assessment and Corporation Tax enquiries — checks into a return, your accounts, or a particular entry
  • VAT and PAYE compliance checks
  • Agreeing the outcome of an enquiry, including settlement figures, penalties and how you'll pay.

Whatever kind of enquiry you're facing, we'll examine HMRC's reasoning, push back where necessary, and make sure you are fully supported and represented throughout the whole process.

Why come to Galloways

A few reasons clients choose us:

  • We’ve seen it all — from a routine compliance check to the most serious COP9 investigations and tribunal disputes.
  • We deal with HMRC so you don’t have to. You won’t be left facing them on your own.
  • We explain things properly — no jargon, just a clear picture of what’s happening, your options, and what we’d recommend.
  • We understand this is personal. These situations are stressful and sometimes embarrassing, and we handle every case with discretion and genuine care.

Questions people often ask us

Do I need to reply to HMRC myself once I've spoken to you?

No. Once we’re acting for you, we can deal with HMRC’s letters and calls directly.

What's the difference between COP8 and COP9?

COP8 is for cases where HMRC believes tax has been underpaid or avoided, but doesn’t suspect fraud. COP9 is reserved for suspected serious fraud, and gives you the chance either to admit what’s happened through the Contractual Disclosure Facility or to deny it — with very different consequences either way, so it’s important to take advice before deciding.

What happens if I ignore the letter?

It’s understandable to want to put it off, but ignoring HMRC rarely makes things easier. It can lead to estimated assessments, higher penalties, and sometimes a more serious investigation than you’d otherwise have faced. Early advice usually means a better outcome.

If I come forward myself, will I still be in trouble?

Coming forward voluntarily — and being honest and thorough — is looked on far more favourably by HMRC, and significantly lowers the risk of anything more serious than a financial penalty. We’ll help you choose the right route for your circumstances.

How long does it take?

It depends on the situation. A simple check might be wrapped up in a few weeks; a COP9 case or a complex disclosure can take many months. Once we understand your circumstances, we’ll give you an honest sense of what to expect.

What will it cost?

Every case is different, so we’ll talk costs through upfront once we know what’s involved. In many cases our advice reduces the tax, interest and penalties you’d otherwise pay by more than the cost of the work.

Talk to our experts

If you’ve had a letter from HMRC, or you think something might need putting right, get in touch for a confidential chat — no pressure, no judgement.

hello@wearegalloways.com | 0800 0129190