HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced a fresh approach to its business records checks programme in 2012, following a review.

The review, which included discussions of the pilot programme with trade and professional bodies’ representatives, found clear evidence that it is effective in improving record-keeping practices in smaller businesses. However, it recommended that the checks are more targeted in future, linking to available education and support.

The pilot programme of business records checks (BRCs) began in April last year and involved checks by HMRC on the standard of small and medium-sized enterprises’ statutory business records. Up until 4 January 2012, 2,437 business records checks had been carried out. These found that 28 per cent of those businesses visited had some issue with their record keeping, and an additional 11 per cent had issues serious enough to warrant a follow-up visit.

HMRC will now postpone making any new business records check appointments until the revamped approach outlined in the report is launched early in the 2012/13 financial year. This will allow further consultation with representative bodies on the implementation of the recommendations in the review and on some details of the new approach. In the interim, HMRC will only undertake visits already booked, as well as follow-up visits to businesses that have already been identified as having seriously inadequate statutory records.

HMRC’s Director of Local Compliance, Richard Summersgill, said:

“Four out of ten businesses had an issue with their business records, and of those that required a follow-up visit, we found that some 90 per cent subsequently improved their record-keeping.

“However, after reviewing the pilot programme and listening to the views of businesses and representative bodies, we acknowledge the need for a fresh approach to business records checks.

“The BRC visits provide benefits for the business and HMRC. We want businesses to pay the right amount of tax at the right time, avoiding potential interest and penalties. The checks also give greater assurance to HMRC when the business submits its tax returns.”

03 February 2012