Marketing companies know that personal letters sent directly to customers are more powerful than broadcast or printed adverts. HMRC is now using this technique to recover unpaid tax.

HMRC matches data from a wide range of sources to tax returns and will write to individual taxpayers where an anomaly is found. These ‘nudge letters’ cover a wide range of topics from holiday lettings to online sales. Companies may also receive nudge letters about R&D claims or taxes due on residential property.

The letter will often enclose a certificate of tax position to complete and return, but there are good reasons why you should not do this.

If you receive a nudge letter from HMRC which says that you may have additional tax to pay, please contact us without delay.

Where there is additional income to declare we can help you calculate what tax is due and draft a full disclosure including figures for interest and penalties. In any event you should respond to HMRC within 30 days with an indication of whether a disclosure will be required.

If you need help with this or any other accountancy, tax and small business issues, get in touch for a no-obligation discussion – see our Contact Us page for how to reach us.

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Information in this publication is intended to provide only a general outline of the subjects covered. It should neither be regarded as comprehensive nor sufficient for making decisions, nor should it be used in place of professional advice. Whyatt Accountancy and the writer accept no responsibility for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone using this material.