Listen to, and watch Simon and Laura explain more here

If you’ve ever received a brown envelope from HMRC, you’ll know the sinking feeling it can cause. At LSR Partners, we call it the 'brown envelope of doom', but it doesn’t have to lead to panic.

An HMRC enquiry simply means that the Revenue is reviewing your tax return or tax position and asking for supporting evidence. While it may feel daunting, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference.

Why might HMRC open an enquiry?

Even if you’ve filed your self-assessment tax return correctly, HMRC can still raise a query, especially in cases where you’ve claimed non-residency, overseas income, or used split-year treatment. They want to see that you’ve made your claims in good faith, with the right evidence to back them up.

What kind of information can they ask for?

The short answer is; anything that supports your claim. This might include:

• Travel calendars or passport stamps
• Employment contracts and timesheets
• Rental agreements or mortgage documents
• Electoral roll records
• Flight tickets
• Even photos with geo-tagging or app-based trackers that prove where you were on certain dates

Real-time records are your best friend

The quicker you can respond to HMRC with supporting documents, the faster the enquiry can be closed. At LSR Partners, we’ve seen cases resolved in weeks, and others drag on for over a year, purely based on how well the taxpayer could respond.

One client found themselves having to prove that drinks on a rooftop bar in London was a personal visit and not a business day, which meant providing affidavits from colleagues!

Don't go it alone

Simon from our team knows this all too well. He dealt with his own HMRC enquiry years ago and found it far more stressful than expected, even as a tax professional. Enquiries can often feel personal, and the tone of HMRC letters can be intimidating. That’s why it's so important to have professional guidance when responding.

Let us help

If you've received a letter from HMRC, or if you’re just unsure whether your position might be at risk, we’re here to help.

At LSR Partners, you get expert support, helping you pay the right tax in the right place at the right time. Get in touch today for confidential, experienced advice.