Revenue Audits & Investigations

Steady representation when Revenue comes calling

A letter from Revenue is unsettling, even when you have nothing to hide. A Revenue audit or investigation needs to be handled carefully, and having experienced advisers between you and Revenue protects your position from the outset. We represent businesses and individuals through audits and investigations across Mullingar, Longford, Trim and Athlone.

What feels overwhelming to a business owner is routine to us. We know how Revenue works, what it is looking for, and how to present your case accurately. Our note on preparing for a Revenue audit sets out what to expect.

What to do when you receive an audit notice

The most important thing is not to respond off the cuff. Before you send Revenue anything, talk to us. We will:

• Review the notice and identify exactly which taxes and periods are in scope.
• Assess your exposure by checking your records and returns before Revenue does, so there are no surprises.
• Advise on disclosure, if there is an issue, a properly prepared disclosure made at the right time can substantially reduce penalties and other consequences.
• Prepare your file so that what Revenue receives is complete, accurate and well organised.

Acting quickly and getting the early steps right often makes the single biggest difference to how an audit turns out.

Through the audit and beyond

We deal with Revenue on your behalf throughout, managing correspondence, attending meetings, answering queries and negotiating the outcome. If Revenue raises an assessment we believe is wrong, we will challenge it and, where appropriate, take it through the appeals process. Our aim is always the same: the correct amount of tax, the lowest defensible penalty, and the matter closed cleanly.

How far back, and what it can cost

For an ordinary audit, Revenue generally works within the four years before the return was filed, but where fraud or neglect is suspected, or no return was filed, that limit does not apply. Where tax is underpaid, you face the tax, interest and usually a penalty, with the penalty depending on how the default is categorised and reduced by a full and cooperative disclosure. The precise rules and rates can change, so we confirm the current position as it applies to your case.

Prevention is better than cure

The best way to handle a Revenue audit is to be ready for one. Our compliance taxation work keeps your returns accurate and your records in order, and a periodic tax review flags anything that could attract attention before it does. Good tax planning keeps you on the right side of the line in the first place.

Talk to us first

If you have received an audit notice, or you are worried about an issue in a past return, do not wait. Book a free consultation at any of our four offices, and we will take the pressure off and protect your position from the start.