HMRC have recently announced that they have wound down their business record checks and will no longer initiate new checks using this process.
HMRC say that they “remain committed to helping businesses to keep better records”. At the same time HMRC have updated their factsheet on compliance checks.
….But they can still visit Business Premises as part of a compliance check
Although HMRC have announced that they have wound down their business record checks, they may still need to visit business premises as part of a compliance check.
HMRC occasionally make unannounced visits to business premises, however they will normally give you at least 7 days notice of such a visit. This can include your home address where the business is run from home. You can ask us to be there when HMRC visit, and we would strongly advise this. If you prefer we can request that HMRC look at your records at our offices or at HMRC premises.
HMRC do not usually need to talk to people who work for you about their checks but they may ask to speak to the people who keep your records up to date, such as payroll and finance records.
HMRC may also need to speak to some of the people who work for you if they are looking at their employment status and are trying to check whether or not they should be on your payroll.