The Role of Accountants in Resolving Tax Disputes

When tax season rolls around, all most of us are hoping for is a swift and issue-free few months.

Unfortunately, in the realm of UK taxes, disagreements and misunderstandings with HMRC are not uncommon.

These disputes can range from simple misunderstandings to complex issues.

Here at Blue Rocket Accounting, we have seen many of these issues, and most of the time they arise when people try to handle their accounts themselves.

Hiring a professional accountant may be an extra expense, but the peace of mind and helping hand they can provide in situations like this can be priceless.

We’ve created this blog to tell you more, so let’s take a look.

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What is a Tax Dispute?

We will start at the beginning, with a breakdown of just what a tax dispute is.

These situations arise when there is a disagreement between a taxpayer and the relevant tax authority.

As mentioned above, these disputes can take various forms and can stem from a wide range of issues, including:

• ‍Discrepancies in Tax Returns - If HMRC believes that there has been an error or omission in your tax return that affects your tax liability, it can lead to a dispute. This might involve income not declared, overclaimed deductions, or incorrect financial information.

• Misinterpretation of Tax Laws -Tax laws can be complex and open to interpretation. Taxpayers may interpret these laws differently than HMRC, leading to disputes about tax liabilities or eligibility for certain tax reliefs. It is also common that people aren’t up to date with the latest legislation, which can also lead to disputes.

• Classification Issues - Disputes can arise over how income or expenses are classified for tax purposes. For example, whether an expense is genuinely a business cost, or the classification of an income source can be contentious.

• Assessment Disagreements -Sometimes, HMRC may issue a tax assessment that the taxpayer believes is incorrect. This can occur due to misunderstandings or errors in assessing the taxpayer's liability. In this case, it may not be down to any mistake by the taxpayer but instead comes solely from the tax authority.

• Penalties and Charges - Disputes may also arise from penalties imposed by HMRC for late filings, errors, or underpayment of taxes. Taxpayers often contest these penalties if they believe they are unjust or excessively harsh.

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The Impact of a Tax Dispute

The implications of a tax dispute can be significant, ranging from financial penalties to a considerable amount of time and resources spent in resolving the issue.

It can also lead to legal proceedings if not managed properly.

The stress and uncertainty associated with a tax dispute can be overwhelming for individuals, making it a situation best avoided or resolved as quickly as possible.

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The Resolution Process

Resolving a tax dispute typically involves reviewing the disputed tax return or assessment, gathering supporting documents, and presenting a case to HMRC.

This process can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring a detailed understanding of tax laws and effective communication with HMRC.

This is where the expertise of an accountant becomes invaluable, and in the next section, we’re going to run through five reasons you should always consult a professional accountant.

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The Benefits of Using an Accountant to Resolve Tax Disputes

Expertise in Tax Law

Accountants keep abreast of the latest tax laws and regulations.

This knowledge is crucial in disputing errors or misinterpretations by HMRC.

They can identify the specific issues at hand and reference the relevant legal frameworks to support your case.

For someone who is a freelancer or small business owner, it can be hard to find the time to delve into the required research to stay abreast of the latest changes, and this can lead to issues down the line.

With an accountant, you know the information is always up to date, and this means you don’t have to worry about learning it yourself.

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Communication with HMRC

One of the most significant roles of an accountant in a tax dispute is acting as a mediator between you and HMRC.

They can handle all communications, ensuring that the language used is precise and in line with legal tax terminology.

This professional interaction increases the likelihood of a favourable resolution.

An accountant will have handled many forms of disputes, and seen first-hand what approach works best.

This puts you in a great position to get a favourable outcome and ensures you always present yourself in a professional manner.

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Accurate Record-Keeping and Evidence Gathering

An accountant ensures that all your financial records are accurate and well-organised.

In the event of a dispute, they can quickly gather the necessary evidence to support your case, such as receipts, bank statements, and previous tax returns.

This is integral to ensuring everything is handled quickly. Organisation is key to bookkeeping, and if it comes down to a dispute and you can’t provide the evidence needed to back your claim as it is lost or missing, then you’re chances of getting a favourable outcome will drop significantly.

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Minimising Penalties and Charges

Sometimes, tax disputes can result in penalties or additional charges.

An experienced accountant can often negotiate with HMRC to reduce these, especially in cases where discrepancies were unintentional or where there is a genuine misunderstanding.

This can be the difference between a large sum of money, or even legal proceedings, so in many ways, your accountant will be paying for themselves.

An accountant will also bring a good knowledge of the system, so will know if a punishment is fair, or if you have a right to contest it and try and bring it down.

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Advisory Role

Beyond just resolving disputes, accountants also play an advisory role.

They can provide advice on how to avoid future disputes and ensure compliance with tax laws.

This might include strategies for record-keeping, tax planning, and understanding the implications of new tax legislation.

This goes much further than just resolving disputes and can help you save money through deductions and much more.

Having someone by your side who you know has your corner can really mean a lot to someone who is not up-to-date with the latest terminology and legislation, so it can make a big difference just knowing you have a professional on your team.

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Scenarios an Accountant Can Help With

Let's consider a few scenarios where an accountant's intervention is crucial:

• Incorrect Tax Calculation: If HMRC claims that you have underpaid your taxes due to a miscalculation, your accountant can review your tax returns, identify any errors, and communicate the correct information to HMRC.

• Misunderstanding of Tax Laws: If you're penalised for a practice you believed was within legal boundaries, an accountant can clarify the law, potentially challenging the penalty based on their understanding of the tax regulations.

• Dealing with Penalties: In cases where penalties are unavoidable, an accountant can negotiate with HMRC to arrange a payment plan that is manageable for your financial situation.

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Blue Rocket Accounting

Navigating the complexities of UK personal tax disputes can be a daunting task for anyone.

At Blue Rocket Accounting, our expertise and experience equip us to handle these disputes with professionalism and efficiency. We aim to demystify the process, provide clarity, and deliver peace of mind to our clients.

Remember, when it comes to tax disputes, you're not alone. With a knowledgeable accountant by your side, you can face any tax challenge with confidence.

Want to know more? Then get in touch with our team today.