The life and death of a tax investigation podcast

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Welcome to this podcast featuring Paul Malin

Paul takes us through the full life cycle of a HMRC tax investigation and answers the questions you need answers to.

Tax investigations and disputes can be complex and stressful, and they often need a specialist advisor to resolve the problem.

Each episode breaks down a specific investigation area to help you and your clients navigate through the full tax investigation lifecycle.

Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help. If you or someone you know needs additional support and would like to know more then head to the Contact Page and get in touch with Paul.

Episode 1 - In the beginning: The initial challenge and how to respond

In this episode, Paul focuses on the start of a tax investigation and answers questions such as:

  • How much will it cost?
  • Will I go to jail?
  • What is it that I’m being accused of?

Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help. If you or someone you know needs additional support and would like to know more then head to the Contact Page and get in touch with Paul.

Episode 2 - The penalties involved in a tax investigation

In this episode, Paul focuses on the penalties that you might face when it comes to a tax investigation.

The main takeaways in this episode are:

  • The different types of penalties HMRC can charge you
  • How to reduce HMRC penalties
  • How to suspend HMRC penalties
  • Making a disclosure to HMRC and its effect on the penalties you’ll face
  • Penalties for overseas matters

Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help. If you or someone you know needs additional support and would like to know more then head to the Contact Page and get in touch with Paul.

Episode 3 - Background research and the initial preparation

In this episode, Paul focuses on the start of a tax investigation and answers questions such as:

  • Why is it important to prepare and only present the key facts?
  • The facts: What is relevant and what isn’t?
  • Do I tell HMRC everything?
  • What preparation is required in a tax investigation?

Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help. If you or someone you know needs additional support and would like to know more then head to the Contact Page and get in touch with Paul.

Episode 4 - The Opening Meeting

In this episode, Paul focuses on the opening meeting and explains what and who is involved.

The main takeaways in this episode are:

  • Do I need to attend the meeting?
  • Does this affect my Human rights?
  • Do I tell HMRC everything?
  • Will the meeting be recorded?


Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help. If you or someone you know needs additional support and would like to know more then head to the Contact Page and get in touch with Paul.

Episode 5 - Scoping what needs to be done

In this episode, Paul focuses on what needs to be done during a tax investigation and how much information is required.

The Main takeaways in this episode are:

  • What needs to be done: How many years do we need to go back? What areas need to be considered?
  • Is each individual taxpayer going to be investigated?
  • Do I tell HMRC everything?
  • What does HMRC need to know?

Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help. If you or someone you know needs additional support and would like to know more then head to the Contact Page and get in touch with Paul.

Episode 6 - Fighting your clients corner

In this episode, Paul goes into detail on how he fights his clients corner, Although it sounds quite combative, Paul explains that although some investigations can feel like it, remaining professional and cooperative is the best approach.

The main takeaways in this episode are:

  • How does HMRC know what needs to be covered?
  • Does HMRC have the final say?


Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help. If you or someone you know needs additional support and would like to know more then head to the Contact Page and get in touch with Paul.

Coming soon…

Episode 7 - Submitting a full disclosure

In this episode, Paul focuses on the submission of a full disclosure to HMRC and what the next steps are.

The main takeaways in this episode are:

  • Is the tax investigation complete once the disclosure has been submitted?
  • Can we negotiate with HMRC?
  • Will different tax rates be considered?


Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help. If you or someone you know needs additional support and would like to know more then head to the Contact Page and get in touch with Paul.

Future episodes…

Episode 8 – Negotiations

Episode 9 & 10 – Settlement