An HMRC investigation is a formal inquiry into an individual or business' financial affairs. HMRC investigations can be triggered by several factors, including tips from the public, media reports, or discrepancies found during a routine tax return review. This time, it was the online service providers. HMRC has the power to demand data from online service providers.
Buy-to-let owners may be specifically targeted for investigation for several reasons.
- For example, buy-to-let properties are often subject to complex tax laws, and buy-to-let owners may be perceived as more likely to under-report income or expenses.
- In addition, buy-to-let owners typically have multiple properties in their portfolio, which can make it difficult for HMRC to track income and expenses. As a result, buy-to-let owners may be more likely to face an HMRC investigation than other taxpayers.
Have You Declared Your Rental Income Tax Correct?
The tax on rental income is one of the things that HMRC might investigate. The tax on rental income is a tax that is imposed on the rental income of an individual. The tax on rental income is imposed on the rental income of an individual who is a resident of the United Kingdom. The tax on rental income is also imposed on the rental income of an individual who is not a resident of the United Kingdom. The tax on rental income is imposed on the rental income of an individual who is a resident of the European Union.
Have you submitted a deposit into a tenancy deposit scheme?
This month HMRC’s Wealthy External Forum sent 606 letters to landlords who have submitted deposits into a tenancy deposit scheme, accusing them of understating their rental income.
In the letters, the WEF states that it has “reliable information” that the landlord has failed to declare some or all of their rental income, and asks for a meeting to discuss the matter further.
Last Chance to Correct your Numbers
HMRC recently began issuing letters to taxpayers who they believe have incorrectly filed their 2020/21 tax returns. The letter states that the taxpayer has 30 days to correct their return, or they may be subject to further action. HMRC points out that the letter does not open a tax enquiry or compliance check, but it does ask the taxpayer to correct their 2020/21 tax return within 30 days.
If you have received such a letter, it is important to take action as soon as possible to avoid any potential penalties. You can contact HMRC directly to discuss your return, or you can seek professional advice from a tax advisor. In either case, it is important to act quickly to ensure that your tax affairs are in order.
If you're a buy-to-let owner, it's important to be aware of the possibility of an HMRC investigation. By understanding what HMRC might investigate and taking steps to prepare for an investigation, you can minimize the potential consequences. Our blog provides more information on this topic for example Capital Gains Tax or Property Taxes in the UK. You can speak to one of our accountants if you have specific questions.
