Expensive advocacy, and consultations

Expensive advocacy

An enquiry was opened on a client who had been with us for 18 months during which time he had demonstrated a somewhat lackadaisical approach to compliance. In short he was the type of client whom had we known what we were getting into we would not have taken on but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

At the outset of the enquiry a colleague and I suggested to HMRC an informal meeting to discuss the way ahead given that compliance was not likely to be forthcoming on a voluntary basis for the taxpayer. At the informal meeting which had been arranged with the junior Inspector on the case the more senior Inspector took a very abrasive attitude and refused to have any form of informal meeting. This was despite us indicating that we felt this was for the benefit of all parties concerned....