Fee Protection

HMRC is taking swifter legal action against those who don’t come forward and sort out their taxes. There has been a huge increase in inquiries into Sole Traders and Small Businesses in particular.

What is Fee Protection?

Fee Protection can provide businesses with reassurance that they are protected against unforeseen costs associated with HMRC investigations. In many cases, HMRC investigations can result in expenses running into the thousands or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

By subscribing to our Fee Protection Service, companies can be confident that their accountant's fees for handling the investigation will be covered, helping to mitigate the financial risks of an investigation.

In essence, Fee Protection will protect you if your business is chosen for a tax investigation by HMRC. This will ensure that you have peace of mind for any additional hours your accountant may need in order to handle the investigation on your behalf.

What are the benefits of Fee Protection?

Fee Protection provides significant cost savings, as it can cover the expenses incurred by your accountant during tax compliance investigations, which could run into six figures. In addition to cost savings, Fee Protection also offers invaluable peace of mind.

It's important to note that no business is immune an HMRC investigation, regardless of their size or turnover. An anonymous tip-off or suspicion of non-transparency in your returns can lead to a case being opened. These investigations may involve analysing up to 20 years' worth of accounts, which is a lengthy and time-consuming process that can result in high fees.

However, with Fee Protection, you can be assured that you can pay your accountant's fees, even if they amount to tens of thousands of pounds. This ensures the investigation process is significantly less stressful and allows you to focus on your daily operations with confidence.

The Croner My Business Hub

As part of your cover with Brearley & Co, you will also receive access to Croner’s My Business Hub – a tool that includes a range of information and resources for you and your business to use for as long as you are subscribed to the service.

What does Fee Protection cover?

Fee Protection provides coverage if there is an enquiry launched by HMRC. You are covered for HMRC investigations for the following:

Corporation Tax Self-Assessment
Income Tax Self-Assessment
PAYE & P11D
Capital Gains Tax
National Insurance
Construction Industry Scheme
IR35
Inheritance Tax
VAT
National Minimum Wage
Gift Aid
Stamp Duty

How does Fee Protection work?

In the event of any communication from HMRC relating to an investigation or tax dispute, you should contact us immediately so we can assess the situation. We would then make a claim against our own policy and credit the proceeds against your liability for fees.

Is Fee Protection mandatory?

Fee Protection isn’t mandatory, however for our existing clients, it’s there to provide peace of mind for any investigations that may be launched by HMRC in the future.

How much does Fee Protection cost?

Fee Protection costs vary depending on the size and turnover of your business. Get in touch with us to discuss adding this to your Brearley & Co services.

How long does Fee Protection coverage last?

Your Fee Protection subscription will cover you from 1st April to 31st March the following year. Should you want to continue with your subscription after the first year, it will need renewing.

Brearley & Co FPI case studies

Some of the recent inquiries we have dealt with on behalf of our clients regarding Fee Protection include:

Employment status

We negotiated with HMRC for our client, a Building Contractor, who had received demands in excess of £80,000 for Tax and NIC following proposed reclassification of sub-contractors to employees. We successfully proved that they were genuine sub-contractors.

C.I.S certificates

We have lodged successful appeals based on various technical arguments on behalf of clients who have had their C.I.S Certificates withdrawn.

Tax initiative

We have successfully negotiated for clients who have had to bestow settlements with HMRC following offshore account voluntary declarations.

Any HMRC investigation or enquiry can be a bewildering and stressful experience. Even if you are found to owe no tax at all, you will still have to pay the professional fees incurred in us handling your case.

Why Brearley & Co?

A leading provider for more than 35 years
Generous levels of cover up to £100,000
An expert team that understands all industries

We pride ourselves on the added value that we bring to our clients, with a friendly and proactive team. Learn more about us today!

Be sure to take a look at some more of our testimonials!

What’s the latest?

For the latest information from HMRC, check out our blog.

Contact us

Are you receiving market-leading solutions from your current FPI partner? If not, let’s have a chat. 01709 581667 or email admin@brearleyandco.co.uk

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Brearley & Co Accountants are pleased to offer a free, no obligation, initial consultation with one of our experts who will be happy to discuss your business needs and how we can help you.

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