5 Questions You’d Love to Ask HMRC (But Probably Never Have)

Whether you’re self-employed, run a small business, or just dread tax season, chances are you’ve had a few unfiltered questions for HMRC. The kind you shout at your laptop, but never quite ask out loud.

We’ve rounded up 5 of the most common (and honest) questions our clients ask us — and answered them factually, clearly, and with zero jargon.

1. “How Can I Pay Less Tax (Legitimately)?”

HMRC actually wants you to use tax reliefs, as long as you follow the rules. Here are a few ways to reduce your bill:
·  Use your allowances – Personal Allowance (£12,570), Dividend Allowance (£500), Trading Allowance
£1,000)
·  Claim expenses – Only if they’re wholly and exclusively for your business
·  Work from home? – Claim flat-rate or proportional household costs
·  Go Limited (if it suits) – Limited companies can be more tax-efficient for higher earners
·  Make pension contributions or consider gift aid donations – Reduce your taxable income and plan for the future

Not sure what applies? Speak to your Client Manager before making big changes.

2. “What Can I Actually Expense?”

HMRC’s golden rule: the expense must be “wholly and exclusively” for your business.

You can claim for:
·  Office costs, software, phone bills
·  Travel for business (but not commuting)
·  Salaries, subcontractors, staff training
·  Professional services (like us!)
·  Tools, equipment, branded or protective clothing 

Use caution with:
·  Meals (claimable only when travelling)
·  Home office furniture (must be business-only use)
·  Entertaining clients (It is a valid expense but you will not be necessarily be entitled to a tax relief)

Tip: Everyday clothes, even if worn for work, are not claimable. 

3. “What Triggers an HMRC Audit?”

It’s not always personal. HMRC audits (called “compliance checks”) are triggered by things like:
·  Big changes in your income or expenses
·  Frequent errors or amended returns
·  High VAT or WFH claims
·  Late filing or payment
·  Discrepancies with third-party data
·  Working in ‘high risk’ industries (like construction or e-commerce)
·  Random selection or a tip-off

 Want to stay off the radar?
·  File and pay on time
·  Keep tidy, accurate records
·  Don’t “push your luck” with claims
·  Get a professional to check your returns 

4. “What Happens If I Miss a Deadline?”

Short answer: you’ll get fined. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets. But if you have a genuine reason, HMRC may reduce or cancel the penalty. This includes things like:
·  Serious illness
·  Family emergencies
·  HMRC system issues 

What doesn’t count? “I forgot,” “I was on holiday,” or “my dog ate my laptop.” Do this instead:
·  Submit ASAP - even if you can’t pay
·  Contact HMRC - they might offer a payment plan
·  Get advice - don’t wait until a small fine becomes a big problem

5. “How do I make sure my National Insurance contributions are up to date?”

Your National Insurance record affects your State Pension and other benefits, so it’s worth checking every now and then to make sure there are no gaps. You can check your record by logging into your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK. It shows you:
·  How many qualifying years you’ve got
·  Any missing years or gaps
·  Whether you’re on track for the full State Pension

If you do have gaps, you might be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill them. There's now an online service that lets you see what’s missing, how much it would cost to top it up, and even pay directly.

Heads up: You can top up the most recent six years if you are missing any payments.

If something doesn’t look right, like a year where you know you were working, HMRC can update your record, but you might need to send in payslips or proof of earnings.

Checking now could save you hassle later on.

You’re not alone in thinking this stuff is confusing, frustrating, or a bit opaque - even seasoned business owners feel the same. The key is staying informed, acting early, and having the right people in your corner when you need help.

If you’ve got a question you wish you could ask HMRC, ask us instead. We’ll give you a straight answer and help you make sense of it.