The following email has recently been received from our tax specialists:
Despite HMRC announcing that they would report on the outcome of the Business Records Check consultation on 31 March, our Consultancy Team has seen the first letters being issued by HMRC, trying to arrange a meeting to carry out a Business Records Check (BRC).
The consultation stated that the BRC programme would start in Autumn of this year with 50,000 Checks per year being carried out. However, we have seen two letters dated 21 March 2011 which clearly relate to the BRC programme.
Our sources at one HMRC office have advised that there are 4-5 offices issuing the letters, including Blackburn and Plymouth, and that taxpayers from specific geographical locations are being targeted. Areas mentioned initially include Sheffield, Oxford, Swindon, Stockport and Scotland. Based on the information we have received, we estimate that at least 1,500 letters could have been issued.
Last week we said it was only time before they arrived here. Well, the bad news is that they have! The good news is that they are covered by our fee protection policy.