HMRC’s New Compliance Check Service – Help or Hype?

When HMRC publishes “helpful guidance,” it’s natural to wonder: is this for our benefit, or theirs?

Recently, HMRC rolled out a new compliance check service—complete with videos and notes—aimed at helping people understand what happens if they’re selected for a compliance review. But is it actually useful, or just another tick-box exercise?

Let’s take a look.

💡 First Things First: What Is a Compliance Check?

A compliance check is not the same as a tax enquiry.

• A tax enquiry digs into a specific tax return you’ve already submitted.

• A compliance check, however, is more of a proactive health check—it’s HMRC making sure your current tax records are in order before the return is due.

  
  

Think of it as a "let's check you're on track" rather than a "you’ve done something wrong" situation.

📌 Important: While penalties can happen, they’re less common in a compliance check than during a formal tax investigation.

🚨 How Likely Are You to Be Chosen?

More likely than you might think.

➡️ HMRC carries out around 300,000 compliance checks every year, with most aimed at businesses—especially those who have:

• Employees

• Subcontractors

• CIS obligations

• Irregular patterns in their tax filings

So even if you’ve never had one before, don’t assume you’re immune. It’s good to know what to expect.

What’s in HMRC’s New Service?

The new online service offers:

• Short videos

• Light guidance notes

• An outline of what to expect

• Info on what happens next

• Details on how HMRC can help if you're dealing with poor health or other barriers

  
  

Our verdict?

While HMRC’s content is simple and accessible, it’s no substitute for personalised advice. The guidance may seem helpful on the surface, but it’s quite basic—and remember, HMRC’s goal is to collect the right amount of tax, not necessarily to protect your business interests.

If you want real peace of mind, make sure you have an accountant who understands your business and has your back. That support makes all the difference when it really counts..

How Compliance Checks Usually Start

Most business compliance checks begin with a letter in the post and a short questionnaire.

Questions typically cover:

• What kind of work you do

• Whether you use subcontractors

• Whether you have employees

• What records you keep

  
  

Top Tip: Don’t rush your responses.

If you’re contacted by HMRC, refer them directly to your accountant. Let a professional handle the communication—someone who knows your business, understands the language, and can make sure your rights are protected. It's the safest and smartest way forward.

You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

If you’re unsure how to answer the questionnaire or handle the process, speak to your accountant first. That one conversation could save you hours of stress and potentially avoid unnecessary issues.

And if you don’t already have someone looking after your tax and compliance, this might be the wake-up call to get the support you need.

Need Help Navigating a Compliance Check?

If you’ve received a letter from HMRC or want to be prepared just in case, I’m here to help.

Let’s make sure your records are in order and your responses are watertight—so you can get back to doing what you do best.

📩 Book a free consultation or send me a message to chat it through.

Because in business, being prepared is always better than being surprised. 💼