The story of the tax investigation case that got lost in time! Ten years in fact! Do you think delaying is a bonafide tactic? I have just taken on a case that was opened by HMRC in 2012!
The previous agents used delaying tactics thinking this would frustrate HMRC into a settlement.
- Yes HMRC has criteria and targets to meet in regard to aged or old cases.
- Or when a caseworker inherits an old case and it’s not contributing to their stats, they will try to close the case to a quick, but reasonable resolution.
- Unfortunately in this case, there was no constructive approach only delaying tactics.
- Now the taxpayer has been pushed right upto the wire and there’s a scheduled tribunal hearing.
- When the process is that far down and HMRC has already committed their resources, they will follow due process and commit to the tribunal hearing.
- Throughout the case, none of the agents have put across any reasonable defence of the client’s case so he has not received a fair representation.
- The last agent used the client’s poor health as a defence not to have the tribunal hearing without relating it to the case. This approach does not work.
- The client has spent a considerable amount in the 10 years on professional fees, but no proper assessment of the case has taken place.
- Instead the previous agents have used delaying tactics and wasted the client’s time and money.
- It’s unbelievable that it has been ongoing for 10 years.
