A tax question or an existing HMRC matter
A general planning question needs a decision to examine, such as the treatment of business expenditure or the accounting implications of a proposed change. An existing return issue needs the relevant period and the point requiring attention.
If HMRC has contacted you, the scope is different. The type of correspondence, subject raised and stage reached help define the work required. Any date stated in the correspondence should be identified for the adviser considering that matter.
Advice and representation are distinct
A tax adviser or accountant can be appointed to deal with HMRC. The government explains this route in its tax agent guidance (gov.uk).
Discuss whether the work concerns advice, return preparation or dealings with HMRC on your behalf. Each calls for a clear agreement about the tasks included and the information needed.
The business’s structure and existing records also matter to the scope. A limited company question should be considered in that context, rather than treated as interchangeable with a sole-trader matter.
Discuss the tax work needed
Existing bookkeeping, annual accounts and an adviser’s current responsibilities may affect where a new piece of tax work starts. Identify the unresolved question so the proposed scope addresses it.
Use the contact form for a short outline of your Manchester business tax requirements.