Tax Investigation Insurance from £3.50/month
HMRC investigations cost UK businesses £5,000+ in accountancy fees on average. Tax investigation insurance covers professional defence costs from day one of.
Tax investigation insurance pays your accountant's fees to handle an HMRC enquiry — not the tax itself. It suits sole traders, landlords and limited companies whose accountant would otherwise bill by the hour for a full enquiry, aspect enquiry, VAT inspection or PAYE and IR35 compliance review.
Cover this trade usually needs
| Cover | Why it matters | Typical limit |
|---|---|---|
| Full HMRC enquiry | Accountant's fees to defend a full investigation into your tax return | Typically £100,000 of fees per claim |
| Aspect enquiry | HMRC querying one part of the return — a common starting point | Included within the same fees limit |
| VAT and PAYE compliance reviews | Routine inspections that still generate professional fees | Included within the same fees limit |
| IR35 status disputes | Contractors challenged on employment status | Included where the policy covers IR35 |
Key risks
- A full HMRC enquiry generating accountant's fees far beyond the tax at stake.
- A VAT or PAYE compliance review landing without warning.
- An IR35 status challenge for contractors.
- An aspect enquiry escalating into a full enquiry.
Regulations and licences
- HMRC enquiry powers under the Taxes Management Act 1970 and Finance Acts.
- IR35 off-payroll working rules for contractors.
- VAT and PAYE inspection regimes.
What we check before quoting
- Whether your accountant already runs a fee-protection scheme.
- Entity type and turnover.
- Whether you're a landlord, contractor inside IR35, or VAT-registered.
- Any open enquiry — which won't be covered.
Gaps we see most often
- Enquiries already open at inception are excluded.
- Deliberate errors and fraud aren't covered.
- Limits too low for a full company enquiry.
Limits clients and contracts usually ask for
- Fees limits typically £100,000 per claim for small businesses; higher for larger companies.
Tax investigation cover from a specialist UK broker
Premier Insurance arranges Tax investigation cover for businesses across the UK. As an independent broker established in 1983, we compare quotes from over 200 specialist UK and Lloyd's of London insurers — AXA, Aviva, Allianz, Hiscox, Zurich, RSA, QBE, Beazley, Markel, Arch and Chubb — to find the right combination of price, cover and claims service for your operation. Speak to a real broker on 020 8908 2426 or message us on WhatsApp 07954 331362.
What tax investigation cover typically includes
- Public liability — third-party injury or property damage claims, typically £1m–£10m of cover
- Employers' liability — legally required if you employ staff, £10m minimum
- Professional indemnity — where applicable, protecting against allegations of negligent advice or service
- Contents, stock and equipment — fire, theft, accidental damage and breakdown
- Buildings cover — if you own or are responsible for the premises
- Business interruption — loss of income while you can't trade
- Product liability — claims arising from goods supplied
- Cyber liability — increasingly essential for any business taking card payments or storing customer data
Why brokered cover beats price-comparison sites
Comparison sites push you toward the cheapest premium, not the policy that pays. Premier's brokers read the policy wording, flag exclusions before you buy, and fight your corner at claim time. Rated 4.9 on Google · 100+ reviews, and a full BIBA member. For a tailored tax investigation quote, request a callback or email hello@premier-insurance.co.uk.
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Speak to a UK insurance broker
Our brokers are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm. Call 020 8908 2426, message us on WhatsApp 07954 331362, or email hello@premier-insurance.co.uk. Visit our office at 49 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 3HP. You can also request a callback or learn more about our team.