Tax Fee Protection Service
Protection against unexpected HMRC costs
In the UK, HMRC conducts regular tax compliance checks and enquiries on businesses and individuals to ensure accurate tax payments. These tax investigations can be time-consuming and costly, often requiring months of expert support. With HMRC’s increasing use of advanced technology to flag potential discrepancies, even compliant taxpayers may face an enquiry.
At R J Francis & Co, we understand that an HMRC enquiry or compliance check can be stressful and costly, even when your tax affairs are fully in order. That’s why we offer our Tax Fee Protection Service – a recommended option for safeguarding yourself or your business from the potential expense of defending against HMRC investigations.
We help protect you from unexpected expenses, giving you peace of mind.
Why Choose Our HMRC Enquiry Cover?
Peace of Mind
Avoid the stress of unexpected accountancy fees in the event of an HMRC enquiry.
Full Professional Support
Our team will handle all correspondence, paperwork, and representation, so you can focus on your business or personal matters.
Wide-Ranging Cover
Includes protection for income tax, corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, and more.
Additional Benefits
Enjoy complimentary telephone access to legal advisors for employment, health & safety, and general legal queries.
Annual Tax Fee Protection Fees
The Tax Fee Protection Service is suitable for our clients who are individuals, sole traders, partnerships, trusts, and limited companies.
The fees shown below are for a full 12 months of cover, running from 1st October each year. Should you wish to join the scheme, your fee would be quoted on a pro rata basis. For your personalised tax fee protection quote, please get in touch.
Limited companies
£138.00
Including the personal tax returns of directors, spouses/civil partners where prepared by us
Including the personal tax returns of directors, spouses/civil partners where prepared by us
Personal tax clients with gross annual rental income over £50,000
£114.00
Personal tax clients not covered by one of the above
£54.00
Our service covers our professional fees incurred when dealing with a variety of HMRC enquiries, compliance checks, or investigations, including:
- HMRC enquiries into income tax and corporation tax returns.
- VAT compliance checks.
- PAYE and NIC disputes.
- Employer compliance reviews.
- IR35 status checks.
For more information you can find a full summary of service here.
How to Enrol in Tax Fee Protection
If you are an R J Francis & Co client and are interested in joining our Tax Fee Protection Service to protect yourself from unexpected HMRC costs, contact our team today. We’ll provide further details and a personalised sign-up fee.
Although it is optional we highly recommend this cover to our clients.
Protect yourself against HMRC tax enquiries today and gain peace of mind for you and your business.
Contact us at admin@rjfrancis.co.uk or call us on 01432 266630.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of cover do I need?
The level of cover you need depends on the type of tax work we handle for you. For example, if we prepare your personal tax return only, the personal tax cover will suit you. If you operate as a sole trader or have rental income exceeding £50,000, you’ll require the sole trader cover. Partnerships or limited companies (including directors and spouses where we handle their returns) will require the relevant partnership or limited company cover.
It is important to take out the correct level of cover for you, so if you’re unsure which level applies to you please contact us, and we’ll guide you based on your specific circumstances.
I have multiple businesses, what cover do I need?
Each entity must be covered separately under the scheme. For example, a limited company would need its own cover however, if you also operate as a sole trader or in a partnership, these would each require their own cover.
This ensures that all your business and personal tax affairs are fully protected. If you have any questions about your specific situation please get in touch, and we’ll provide tailored advice.
Who provides the insurance?
This cover is provided by Vantage Fee Protect, a specialist tax fee protection insurance provider. You can find more about them at vantagefeeprotect.com.
Can I cancel the service if I no longer need it?
The cover will remain active until the end of the following September, once you have made your initial payment. Although you cannot cancel mid term, you are not obligated to continue with cover for future years past the end of the annual term.
Does my cover automatically renew each year?
No. You will be contacted when your renewal is due, and will have the opportunity to take out cover for a further year if you choose to. There is no automatic renewal.
Is the Tax Fee Protection Service mandatory?
No, it’s an optional service. It is your choice, but we highly recommend it as a safeguard against potential HMRC costs. Having this protection can provide peace of mind, knowing any fees related to our support are covered if an enquiry arises.
Will this cover any fines or penalties from HMRC?
No, the service only covers our fees for representing you during an HMRC enquiry. It does not cover any fines or penalties HMRC may impose. However, having expert representation can help ensure a smooth process and potentially reduce risk of fines or penalties.
Does the policy cover all types of HMRC checks?
The service covers a variety of HMRC enquiries, including income tax, corporation tax, PAYE, and VAT checks. A summary of inclusions can be found here. Specifics can vary based on your circumstances, and our team can clarify what’s covered. Please contact us to discuss your personal requirements.
How often do HMRC enquiries happen?
We cannot accurately say how often HMRC conducts enquiries, however we know that they happen regularly, both randomly and based on specific triggers. Their use of data-driven tools has increased the frequency, making it wise for individuals and businesses to consider protection.
What are the benefits of enrolling in this service?
Beyond covering the fees for the support from our team for HMRC enquiries, the service includes access to professional advice from employment, health & safety, and general legal advisors.
