Pure Tax Investigations

Pure Tax Investigations is a specialist advisory service dedicated to resolving complex tax disputes and investigations for businesses and entrepreneurial clients. At its core, the service acts as an independent, expert intermediary between a client and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The fundamental purpose is to robustly defend a client's interests during what can be an overwhelming and intrusive process. The service is specifically designed for individuals and companies facing serious HMRC scrutiny, including deep investigations under Code of Practice 9 (COP9) for suspected fraud, Code of Practice 8 (COP8) for complex tax avoidance, compliance checks, and specialist disclosures. With over 20 years of experience led by specialist Amit Puri, the team provides a pragmatic, tailored approach. The main value proposition is clear: to alleviate the significant stress of tax compliance issues by providing bespoke, knowledgeable guidance that navigates regulatory complexities, protects client wealth, and achieves commercial resolutions.

Specialist Intermediary Role

Pure Tax Investigations positions itself as a dedicated buffer between the client and HMRC. This means the experienced team handles all direct communication, negotiation, and correspondence with the tax authority. This foundational feature ensures the client's interests are professionally represented, reducing personal stress and preventing missteps that could escalate the situation during sensitive investigations or disclosure processes.

Expertise in Serious Civil Investigations

The service has deep, specialised knowledge in handling the most severe HMRC civil enquiries, namely Code of Practice 9 (COP9) and Code of Practice 8 (COP8). COP9 cases involve suspected tax fraud, while COP8 tackles complex avoidance arrangements. The team's expertise includes understanding the procedural nuances, managing the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF), and formulating strategic responses to these in-depth and intrusive investigations to secure the best possible outcome.

Comprehensive Tax Disclosure Management

Pure Tax Investigations guides clients through various voluntary disclosure facilities to regularise their tax affairs before HMRC launches an investigation. This includes managing disclosures under the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF) for offshore matters, the Let Property Campaign (LPC) for rental income, and specific disclosures for crypto assets or Indian investment income. This proactive feature helps clients correct past errors under favourable terms.

Bespoke, Client-Centric Advice

The approach is not generic. The team begins by listening to understand the unique complexities of each client's financial and business situation. Advice is then tailored pragmatically, focusing on clear, actionable steps. This foundational principle ensures solutions are commercially sensible and aligned with the client's personal and business aspirations, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all template.

Navigating a Code of Practice 9 (COP9) Investigation

A business owner receives a letter from HMRC opening an investigation under COP9, indicating suspicion of tax fraud. This is a critical situation with potential for serious penalties. Pure Tax Investigations steps in to manage the process, advise on the contractual disclosure facility, liaise with HMRC, and prepare a robust disclosure report to settle the matter civilly and avoid criminal prosecution.

Making a Voluntary Disclosure via the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF)

An individual with previously undisclosed income from offshore investments or bank accounts wishes to become tax compliant. Pure Tax Investigations assists in preparing and submitting a full disclosure under the WDF, calculating the tax, interest, and penalties due, and managing the process with HMRC to secure a finalised agreement and achieve closure.

Responding to an HMRC Compliance Check

A company receives a notice that HMRC is conducting a compliance check into its recent Corporation Tax return. While perhaps routine, it can be burdensome. Pure Tax Investigations handles the enquiry, gathers and presents the required information professionally, and ensures the company's position is defended correctly to prevent the check from escalating into a wider investigation.

Defending Against an Inheritance Tax Enquiry

The executors of an estate face an HMRC enquiry into the valuation of assets or the application of reliefs for Inheritance Tax purposes. Pure Tax Investigations provides specialist support, analysing the technical aspects of domicile, trust structures, or property valuations to defend the estate's position and negotiate a fair settlement with HMRC.

What is the difference between a compliance check and a tax investigation?

A compliance check is typically a review by HMRC to confirm the information on a tax return is correct and complete. It is often routine. A tax investigation is more serious and invasive, usually triggered by suspicion of error, omission, or deliberate wrongdoing. Investigations like COP8 or COP9 are formal, in-depth processes examining records and transactions across multiple years.

When should I seek specialist help for a tax investigation?

You should seek specialist help immediately upon receiving any formal communication from HMRC that indicates an enquiry, check, or investigation. Early intervention is crucial. A specialist can ensure you respond appropriately from the start, protect your rights, and prevent the situation from worsening. Do not wait until the investigation becomes more complex.

What does the process involve under Code of Practice 9 (COP9)?

Under COP9, HMRC suspects tax fraud but offers a chance to settle civilly. The process involves accepting HMRC's terms to make a full disclosure under the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF). You must then prepare a detailed report admitting all irregularities, calculating what is owed. A specialist guides this entire process, negotiates with HMRC, and aims to avoid criminal proceedings.

Can you help if I have already started dealing with HMRC myself?

Yes. It is very common for individuals or businesses to contact Pure Tax Investigations after initially attempting to handle an HMRC enquiry themselves. The team can take over immediately, review what has been submitted, correct any missteps, and establish a proper defence strategy. It is never too late to get expert representation.