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What Taxpayers should do when HMRC visit unannouced

This usually happens when HMRC believes there is unpaid tax but often HMRC systems are out of date and information is delayed

Taxpayers are not legally obliged to let HMRC enter their property under civil law.

If you receive an unannounced visit, do not let HMRC enter the house or business premises and ask them to leave the letter, which they must have brought with them, from HMRC’s debt management and banking department (DMB), which will set out the reasons for the visit.  Taxpayers receiving such a visit are advised to call Bullimores immediately and ask them to liaise with HMRC to resolve the situation on their behalf.

If HMRC have already entered the property, the taxpayer is entitled to ask them to leave.  There are no legal or financial repercussions from this action whatever the HMRC agent says or implies.

HMRC staff should NOT take any documents or information without the taxpayer’s consent and must always leave a receipt for any records taken.  

THE ADVICE IS THAT TAXPAYERS SHOULD NOT CONSENT TO HMRC ENTRY OR TO DOCUMENTS OR INFORMATION BEING REMOVED FROM THE PROPERTY.

If a taxpayer is subject to a dawn raid, (i.e.: action under criminal law), they should seek legal representation from a criminal lawyer immediately, as different procedures and rights will apply.

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