Course Details

The way HMRC undertakes its enquiry work and compliance activity has changed with more focus on using its formal information powers, pursuing unpaid taxes from earlier years and aggressive application of penalties. It is vitally important that advisers are aware of how to deal with HMRC enquiries, and the processes connected to them, including how to appeal and the tools available help seek a satisfactory outcome.


In this session, Andrew Walker & Sian Marsden cover the following topics:

  • HMRC information powers
  • Discovery
  • Penalties
  • Appeals process
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

CPD Course Speaker

RSM UK

Andrew Walker

Andrew has worked in professional practice for 16 years and is focused on tax risk and investigations. He brings specialist perspective in areas of interaction with HMRC. Tax disputes and investigations can be a very worrying and stressful time - Andrew works with clients and advisors finding the right strategy to achieve the best settlement available in the most efficient manner.

Andrews’ work covers local compliance investigations, information requests, significant penalty issues, through to specialist investigations enquiries conducted under COP 8 and 9. He has undertaken a significant amount of work using HMRC’s disclosure initiatives, in particular work under the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility (LDF). Andrew has represented several clients in the tax tribunal process and has taken part in a number of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) cases which have come more to the fore as a tool to be used in settling contentious enquiry disputes.

RSM UK

Sian Marsden

I have been working in Tax Disputes for over seven years. In that time I have been involved in varying projects, from fraud disclosures, to settling avoidance arrangements, and helping client make voluntary disclosures.

HMRC enquiries can be stressful, so my aim is always to try to take the stress away from clients and help them reach the best resolution. I try to take a commercial approach for clients to ensure that the process is as smooth and pain-free as possible.

Having worked directly with HMRC for many years, I know what HMRC expects in an enquiry, and how to bring matters to a close for all parties. I also know what HMRC is entitled to, and so I ensure that enquiries do not drag on unnecessarily (where possible!).