8. You can see the files HMRC hold on you

Under the 1998 Data Protection Act you have the right to see papers in your file. This may include HMRC reviews and notes of telephone calls and emails which will give you an idea of how strong HMRC think their case is and how long they think the investigation will continue.

Email gail.taylor@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk with your request or see more details here.

I was extremely successful and saw the bulk of my file which was a real eye-opener. Others have had no more than a few pages back that have told them nothing. HMRC says, “The law allows us to withhold information, for example, where release would be likely to prejudice the assessment or collection of any tax or duty.”

You can also use the 2000 Freedom of Information Act to find out how HMRC operates. Information on FoI requests is here and you can email your request directly to michael.armstrong@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

Be warned requests for both FoI and and Data Protection information are likely to be protracted and possibly even ‘lost’ too. Keep records of everything you have requested and make a note in your diary of when the records are due – HMRC have 40 days to process Data Protection requests.