Unannounced HMRC visit

[ryan11]

On Friday morning whilst on a work call (I work mostly from home as an IT consultant through my ltd company), a gentleman claiming to be from HMRC knocked on my door asking for me by name. My partner answered and took a message, he left his name and number.

I tried calling the number a few times Friday afternoon but no answer. I actually managed to call HMRC directly because I was starting to worry. They said there was nothing on my file, no debts or alerts etc to flag that a visit was required and there was no record of an officer visiting that same morning. They even advised me to ignore it. I've also had no letters/calls/emails from HMRC to suggest any visits were scheduled etc

Had me worried and thinking over the weekend. I thought it may have been related to business related affairs but again I spoke to HMRC this morning and they said nothing was out of place from a business perspective.

Whilst out today, the same guy visited again (got him on the camera) but again couldn't call him.

I'm feeling very suspicious about it but also conscious that it could be something genuine.

Does this sound like normal behaviour from HMRC? And do you think it should be something to worry about if it is HMRC related? Are unannounced visits a thing and if so what should I expect?

[Protagoras]

There is some information on-line about unannounced inspections ...

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...pections-ccfs4

[ladymuck]

Definitely ask for ID and then try to verify it. Whilst the link above is interesting, I would still be very suspicious of anyone who doesn't provide an official form of ID.

[cojak]

Let’s put it this way. In ALL of my time on this forum, I have NEVER heard of this happening.

HMRC don’t just turn up on the doorstep. Don’t let him into the house and even if he provides ID, tell him you will only see HMRC with an arranged appointment at their offices, knowing the reason for the interview, and you will be bringing a specialist with you (because we never talk to HMRC in person on our own).

Then close the door on his face.

[eek]

Ever since hmrc took over customs and excise they have abused / got confused over their powers.

there is zero need for hmrc to visit any company like ours and if someone is from hmrc they will provide their contact details so something odd is going on.

[Lance]

I would have thought that if they turn up genuinely, with the powers listed in that link, they would bring the police with them to enforce it. And maybe even a court order. Too many people are going to simply tell them to p*ss off.

IANAL.

[WTFH]

Just out of interest, is there anything you're not telling us, e.g. around crypto trading or anything like that, which might be what they were calling about?
You say your partner took a message - apart from the guy's name, what else was the message?

[Maslins]

You say you managed to call HMRC directly, and they confirmed no issues with your affairs...but HMRC has lots of different departments! Eg hypothetically it might have been re significant VAT arrears, or personal tax issues. If you called the CT helpline they wouldn't see anything flagged re your account.

It does sound very odd. If the guy comes back again, try to get more information out of him (without divulging much yourself) about what it's about. Which tax, which period, what the alleged issue is etc.

[Fred Bloggs]

I think it pretty unlikely this is a genuine HMRC officer cold calling. A neighbour had a cold call visit recently and the person said they were from BT. Luckily they managed to get rid of the person from the doorstep without too much grief. They weren't from BT at all.

[Lance]

I think it pretty unlikely this is a genuine HMRC officer cold calling. A neighbour had a cold call visit recently and the person said they were from BT. Luckily they managed to get rid of the person from the doorstep without too much grief. They weren't from BT at all.

it would be a pretty simple scam to pull as well.
With the directors name and business address on companies house.

I do seriously doubt that HMRC would use this power except in very unusual circumstances. not just a VAT/CT/IT inspection.