Know what HMRC is asking, and by when.
Penalty notices, compliance checks, information notices and decision letters, read in plain English. Every date and amount on one page, with the questions to take to your accountant or tax adviser.
Launch price £49 for up to 10 pages. Standard price £99 from 1 February 2027.Standard price £99 from 1 February 2027
£49
up to 10 pages, then £3 a page
HMRC decisions and penalties usually have a 30-day window. GOV.UK says you usually have 30 days from the date of a decision letter to appeal or accept a review, and usually 30 days from the date a penalty was issued to contact HMRC or appeal. GOV.UK: disagree with a tax decision or penalty
We don't calculate or watch deadlines. If the date is close, contact HMRC, your adviser or TaxAid now. Don't wait for a pack.
Free tax help, before you pay anyone.
- HMRC's extra support team.
If your health or circumstances make dealing with HMRC hard, including financial hardship, you can ask for extra support: ask the adviser when you call an HMRC helpline, or use the extra support webchat.
GOV.UK: extra support from HMRC - TaxAid: 0345 120 3779.
A charity whose helpline gives free support to people who can't access professional tax advice, for example because of cost. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. It now includes Tax Help for Older People. It can't help with Corporation Tax for limited companies.
TaxAid: get tax help - Citizens Advice.
GOV.UK lists it, with TaxAid, for free advice before a tax appeal. About Citizens Advice
GOV.UK: help before you appeal
Being checked? GOV.UK says to tell the compliance officer named in HMRC's letter what help you need. GOV.UK: compliance checks, help and support
What people bring us.
A penalty notice.
Late filing, late payment or an inaccurate return: what it's for, the amount, and what the letter says to do if you disagree.
A compliance check letter.
What HMRC says it's checking, and why. GOV.UK calls it a ‘tax enquiry’, and says to keep filing returns and paying tax due while it runs.
An information notice.
What HMRC asks for, and by when. GOV.UK says that if you get one, you must give HMRC what it has asked for, or it may charge a penalty.
A decision you want to challenge.
A tax bill, an assessment or a refused claim for relief, with the route and the date the letter gives.
A review conclusion letter.
Whether the decision was upheld, changed or cancelled, and the date for any next step.
The routes GOV.UK describes.
- The letter comes first: GOV.UK says HMRC's decision letter tells you what to do if you disagree. GOV.UK
- Direct tax, such as Income Tax, Corporation Tax or National Insurance: you appeal to HMRC first, and can then get a review by someone who wasn't involved in the decision.
- Indirect tax, such as VAT: HMRC offers a review with its decision, and you can usually appeal straight to the tax tribunal.
- The First-tier Tribunal (Tax) is independent of HMRC. You usually have 30 days to appeal from the date on your decision letter. GOV.UK: appeal to the tax tribunal
A pack shows which route your letter describes and the dates in it. Whether to use it is a question for your adviser.
What a pack does, and doesn't do.
Does
- Explains what the letter says
- Lists every date and amount
- Shows the route the letter describes
- Writes your questions for an accountant, tax adviser or TaxAid
Doesn't
- Advise on your tax, or whether to appeal
- Check HMRC's figures or work out what you owe
- Deal with HMRC for you, or file anything
What a first step can cost.
£354–£506
Selected court guideline rates for a senior solicitor's hour, inc. VAT: not a market range or a quote.1
Accountants and tax advisers
Fees vary. TaxAid suggests asking whether the first meeting is free. Ask for a fee quote first.
TaxAid
Free, if you qualify. Start there.
Read it first for £49. Go to your accountant or tax adviser with the letter explained and your questions ready.
See my priceFind someone: ICAEW Find a Chartered Accountant · Anyone can set up as an accountant or tax adviser, without qualifications: TaxAid on choosing one
Know what HMRC is asking before you reply.
Preparation for advice, not advice. Not tax advice. If the letter gives a date, tell your adviser about it now.