Taxpayer investigations take a back seat

HMRC is suspending enquiries into taxpayers and businesses that are under investigation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic according to Blick Rothenberg.

Tax dispute resolution partner Fiona Fernie said: ‘HMRC is writing to taxpayers under enquiry acknowledging that during the current lockdown it is being instructed not to request information or documents and not to press for responses to requests already made. Indeed in some cases it is suspending enquiries at this difficult time.’

A government spokesperson said: ‘It is right that HMRC does everything possible to protect individuals businesses and the economy during this extremely difficult time. This includes prioritising work to support businesses and individuals.

‘HMRC will always take tough action against fraudsters who attempt to deprive the UK of the public funds the government needs to support the nation at this difficult time.’

A pause in an enquiry may appear welcome news but Ms Fernie...