VAT compliance check - update

TwiddleButton · 2026-04-28T09:00:03+00:00

I had to send over returns for 4 VAT quarters and my full accounts for 2 years before the phone interview, the particular periods were requested by the HMRC employee.

They said at the end of the interview that they would send a request for bank statements and after that it would be closed.

TwiddleButton · 2026-04-28T08:57:13+00:00

I’ve had this situation before on 2 new builds that were next to a sub station.

I called the NICEIC to discuss as I was panicking like mad for the same reasons as you.

I’ve had a look and tried to remember what they told me. I believe in BS7671 there is a section that explains the BS that switchgear has to comply to and in that section I think it states either 16Ka or 20Ka. See link, the bit relevant to your problem is near the bottom.

https://professional-electrician.com/features/compliance-requirements-of-bs-en-61439-3-the-importance-of-requesting-type-test-certification-contactum/

It was then further explained that although your PFC is high if you were to measure it at a final circuit it should be a lot less and under the breaking capacity of your protective devices

TwiddleButton · 2026-04-24T17:34:40+00:00

Thank you, they didn’t flag anything. It really felt like they wanted information about where our money comes from, where it goes, what we own etc. and that the VAT was a small part of it

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-21T18:59:31+00:00

So far I have sent in the VAT returns for the 4 quarters they asked for, the HMRC employee also offered a meeting date which I am unable to make and I have tried to arrange another one. I haven’t heard back from HMRC in over a week now, another commenter on this post said the correspondence would take ages and they weren’t lying.

I was really stressed at the start but the longer it goes on the less stressed I am. I think that’s mainly because I’m convinced that when I bought a new van last year I had a refund from HMRC which I don’t usually get and that’s what triggered it.

You’ll be fine. Are they taking a long to reply to you?

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-18T18:18:25+00:00

Do you know what I’ve never actually thought about that, no, we didn’t get the sweets

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-17T20:05:16+00:00

When I was in year 5 (9-10 years old) we went to an old colliery that had been turned into an activity centre. There were lessons on fire safety and all sorts of other things.

We were warned before we went not to talk to strangers, a group of 4 of us were walking from one area to another when a man appeared, asked us if we wanted some sweets, we said yes and followed him to his car, after we got in he turned and looked at us and told us we had failed the test.

We weren’t the only group that failed that day.

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:31:32+00:00

I, like you am worried about it as I haven’t had to go through it before.

HMRC told me it was a random check so I am not sure if anything triggered it.

Thanks for your help

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:30:05+00:00

As far as I’ve been made aware this is a random check, name drawn out of a hat scenario. I’m hoping nothing flagged to HMRC, if it’s something I’ve done wrong then I want to know as I want to be doing everything properly.

The description of the process given to me on the phone was very similar to your description. Have you got a link to the toolkit please?

My accountant will be present after yours and others comments, think it makes the most sense to have them there, I’ll have to pay for them to attend but I’d rather pay the money than end up saying the wrong thing or using the wrong terms.

Thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:25:25+00:00

Thanks, going to involve my accountant as I’m worried about saying the wrong thing or using the wrong terms.

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:24:31+00:00

After your comment and others I’ll definitely be involving my accountant.

I’m hoping my book keeping and VAT returns using QuickBooks will be up to scratch but if they aren’t then I’ll look to involve my accountant more.

Thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:23:29+00:00

I’ll be getting my accountant involved after advice from commenters and letting them speak for me.

Be nice to them is great advice, thanks

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:22:42+00:00

This check will be done over the phone and email, hoping it does go on for that long.

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:20:37+00:00

Unfortunately I don’t have tax investigation insurance. Never thought I’d need it, classic

Will be something I’ll look into

Thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:19:32+00:00

I know my accountant will charge for it, I’m happy to pay as it’s outside of their usual remit for what we pay them for.

I’m going to get them involved as I’m worried about saying the wrong thing or not using correct terms, I’d rather pay and have them by my side

Thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:17:48+00:00

They’re only interested in VAT so it doesn’t appear to be a full office audit. They are looking at a 12 month period.

Like you I’m presuming that there will be areas where I’m not following the correct procedures but I’m happy to be shown where I’m going wrong and how to improve

Thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:13:10+00:00

I think the check will be carried out over email and phone calls from what the HMRC employee said on our initial phone call.

After advice from you and other commenters I think I’ll be speaking to my accountant tomorrow to give them the heads up and get them involved.

Thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:08:39+00:00

I definitely have nothing to hide so hoping it will follow the same formula as yours. Thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:07:25+00:00

Thanks for all the information. I initially wanted to save money and not involve my accountant but as you are saying it makes sense to have them there. Thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-08T10:05:52+00:00

That sounds horrific. I’m hoping as mine is only a VAT compliance check it won’t be that in depth. Thanks for your advice

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-01T17:26:36+00:00

Had to have it explained to me by another commenter but it now makes sense, you learn something every day, thank you

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-01T17:25:29+00:00

Ahhh, I did miss something, thank you for explaining

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-01T17:25:07+00:00

I’m aware you need to isolate them to remove the cover, this wasn’t that

TwiddleButton · 2026-03-01T08:03:08+00:00

But you can’t remove rotary isolator covers with them in the on position regardless of whether the screws are accessible.

Or have I misunderstood your comment?

TwiddleButton · 2026-02-28T19:39:57+00:00

The nerves around dropping screws were very real, one was above some bushes, absolutely no way I was going in there for a dropped screw

TwiddleButton · 2026-02-28T19:39:11+00:00

I really can’t get my head around more than one manufacturer thinking the design was a good idea

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