Pure Tax Investigations

Pure Tax Investigations is a preeminent, independent consultancy that serves as an expert and resolute intermediary between discerning clients and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). We specialise in the nuanced and high-stakes arena of tax disputes, investigations, and disclosures, providing a sanctuary of expertise for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and private individuals facing HMRC scrutiny. Our core value proposition is the delivery of certainty, discretion, and a robust defence during periods of significant pressure. Led by Amit Puri, a former senior HMRC Tax Inspector with over two decades of high-calibre experience, our team possesses an intimate, operational understanding of HMRC's internal methodologies and strategic objectives. This insider perspective, combined with a pragmatic and bespoke advisory approach, allows us to navigate complex civil investigations—including Code of Practice 9 (COP9) fraud enquiries and comprehensive compliance checks—with strategic precision and commercial acumen. We are not merely advisors; we are dedicated advocates who fight tenaciously to protect our clients' interests, preserve wealth, and resolve tax matters with unwavering professionalism.

Insider HMRC Expertise

Our practice is led by former senior HMRC inspectors, providing an unparalleled, operational understanding of HMRC's tactics, procedures, and decision-making processes. This insider knowledge is instrumental in anticipating challenges, formulating effective counter-strategies, and negotiating from a position of strength to achieve the most favourable outcomes for our clients.

Bespoke, Pragmatic Advisory

We reject a one-size-fits-all approach. Each client's situation is analysed individually, leading to clear, discreet, and tailored tax advice. Our pragmatic focus is on achieving commercial results that address immediate concerns and realise long-term client aspirations, ensuring every strategy is aligned with both the technical landscape and the client's personal or business objectives.

Comprehensive Service Spectrum

We offer end-to-end support across the entire spectrum of HMRC engagement. Our expertise encompasses serious civil investigations (COP8, COP9), complex corporate enquiries, compliance checks, voluntary disclosures (e.g., Worldwide Disclosure Facility), and representation at Tax Tribunals or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), providing a single, trusted source for all tax dispute resolution needs.

Tenacious Client Advocacy

We act as a dedicated buffer between our clients and HMRC, fighting tenaciously to protect their interests. Our role is one of resolute advocacy, providing peace of mind and certainty during intrusive and stressful investigations. We shoulder the burden of communication and negotiation, allowing clients to focus on their lives and businesses with confidence.

Code of Practice 9 (COP9) Investigation

When HMRC suspects serious tax fraud and initiates a COP9 investigation, the stakes are profoundly high. We guide clients through this daunting process, managing the contractual disclosure facility (CDF), ensuring a robust defence is presented, and strategically navigating towards a civil settlement to avoid criminal prosecution, thereby protecting both reputation and assets.

Voluntary Tax Disclosure

For individuals or businesses with undisclosed tax liabilities—whether from offshore assets, property rental income, cryptocurrency gains, or other sources—we facilitate voluntary disclosures under HMRC campaigns like the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF) or Let Property Campaign (LPC). This proactive approach mitigates penalties and reduces the risk of a more severe, HMRC-led investigation.

Complex Corporate Tax Enquiry

Large businesses and entrepreneurial enterprises facing multi-faceted, cross-tax enquiries require sophisticated defence. We deploy our deep technical knowledge and understanding of HMRC's Large Business directorates to manage these complex interactions, challenge information notices where appropriate, and resolve disputes with commercial pragmatism to minimise financial and operational disruption.

Inheritance Tax & Trust Disputes

Navigating HMRC enquiries into complex estate planning, trusts, and domicile status demands specialist knowledge. We provide expert guidance and robust representation for private clients and trustees facing Inheritance Tax investigations, ensuring their affairs are structured efficiently and defended effectively against HMRC challenge.

What makes Pure Tax Investigations different from a standard accountant?

While accountants excel at compliance and planning, we specialise exclusively in contentious tax matters. Our founding team comprises former senior HMRC investigators, granting us an operational, insider's perspective on HMRC strategy that typical firms lack. We act as specialist advocates, providing a strategic buffer and fighting tenaciously during disputes, rather than just preparing historical accounts.

When should I seek specialist advice for a tax investigation?

Immediately upon receiving any communication from HMRC that suggests an enquiry, check, or investigation. Early engagement is critical. Even a routine compliance check can escalate, and having an expert manage the dialogue from the outset protects your position. For serious matters like a COP9 letter, seeking our advice is an urgent priority.

What is involved in a voluntary disclosure process?

The process involves a meticulous review of your financial history to quantify undisclosed liabilities, the preparation of a comprehensive disclosure report to HMRC, and the negotiation of resultant tax, interest, and penalties. We manage this entire process, ensuring full technical compliance, maximising penalty reductions, and providing a formal closure from HMRC.

Can you assist if a tax investigation has become criminal?

Yes. While our primary focus is resolving matters civilly, our deep understanding of HMRC's processes is vital when an investigation borders on or becomes criminal. We can assess the situation, advise on strategy, and work with instructed legal counsel to ensure the tax aspects of your defence are expertly handled, providing seamless support during the most serious challenges.