Any company facing an HMRC compliance check should note that HMRC has updated factsheet (CC/FS1a) that provides general information about compliance checks, including your rights as a corporate taxpayer
Compliance checks into returns or other documents are carried out by HMRC to ensure that taxpayers pay the right amount of tax at the right time and receive the right allowances and tax reliefs. The checks cover a broad range of direct and indirect taxes including corporation tax; income tax; PAYE; VAT; annual tax on enveloped dwellings (ATED); and stamp duty land tax (SDLT).
The factsheet explains what to expect in the event of a compliance check, which can be carried out over the phone, and in some instances, involves a site visit by a HMRC representative.
It includes information about what happens during a check; the benefits of co-operating with HMRC; how to qualify for the maximum penalty reduction if something is wrong; and what happens in the event of a disagreement.
The updated factsheet is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/373446/CC-FS1a_11_14_1.pdf