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What to do if…
you receive an audit notice from a tax authority and the response deadline is soon

Short answer

Don’t ignore it: today, verify the notice is genuinely from HMRC, then contact HMRC to confirm what they need and ask for more time if you can’t meet the deadline.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t miss the deadline without telling HMRC — silence can lead to decisions being made without your input.
  • Don’t assume a letter is genuine just because it looks “official” — if anything feels off, verify via GOV.UK and use official HMRC contact routes rather than replying to unexpected details.
  • Don’t send original documents unless HMRC explicitly asks for originals (copies are usually safer).
  • Don’t send a rushed, inaccurate reply “just to say something” — errors can create bigger problems than a short delay with an agreed extension.
  • Don’t throw away the envelope, reference numbers, or any enclosures — they matter for tracking and proving timelines.
  • Don’t send a huge bundle of unrelated records — stick to what’s requested (and explain briefly if something isn’t available yet).

What to do now

  1. Stabilise and capture the essentials (2 minutes).
    Write down: the deadline date, HMRC reference number, tax year/period, what they’re asking for, and any named HMRC team/officer.

  2. Verify the notice is genuine (especially if anything feels “off”).
    Use HMRC’s GOV.UK guidance to check whether the letter (or type of letter) is genuine and what to do if you’re unsure. If the letter includes a QR code, use HMRC’s GOV.UK guidance on checking QR codes too.

  3. Contact HMRC before the deadline (today if possible).

    • If you’re satisfied it’s genuine, use the contact details on the letter/notice to confirm exactly what they want (documents, explanations, format, where to send, and whether copies are acceptable).
    • If you’re not satisfied it’s genuine, contact HMRC using the relevant GOV.UK helpline/webchat route for the tax involved and ask them to confirm whether the letter is real.

  4. If you need more time, ask early and be specific.
    Say you intend to cooperate, but you can’t meet the date. Ask for an extension and propose a realistic new date. Keep the reason brief and factual (records retrieval delay, illness, key person unavailable).

  5. Create a “response pack” so you don’t lose control of what you sent.

    • Make a folder (paper or digital).
    • Save: a copy/photo of the notice, your notes, and a checklist of requested items.
    • For each item you send, label it with the reference number and tax period, and keep a copy of everything.

  6. Respond in a trackable way and keep proof.
    If responding by post, use a tracked/signed service and keep proof of posting. If responding digitally, save confirmations/screenshots and copies of uploaded files.

  7. If the request is large or technical, line up help fast (without delaying step 3).
    If it involves a business, multiple tax years, VAT/PAYE, or you can’t understand what’s being asked, contact a qualified tax adviser/accountant today. You can still make the “we’ve received this and need an extension” call/message yourself immediately.

  8. If it looks like a formal information notice, treat the deadline as especially important.
    Some HMRC requests are issued using legal information powers (often referred to as Schedule 36). If the letter says it’s a formal notice (or you’re unsure), get advice quickly and do not let the deadline pass without contacting HMRC.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to fully “solve” the audit today — you need to avoid silence, clarify what’s required, and secure more time if needed.
  • You don’t need to decide whether you “agree” with anything right now — focus on meeting the process (response, documents, timelines).
  • You don’t need to reconstruct years of records in one sitting — start with what the notice specifically requests.

Important reassurance

Getting an HMRC compliance check or enquiry letter is stressful, but it does not automatically mean you’ve done something wrong. The quickest way to reduce risk is to verify it, communicate early, and keep clear records of what you send and when.

Scope note

These are first steps to help you avoid a preventable mistake when a deadline is close. Later stages (technical tax positions, penalties, formal notices, appeals) can need specialist advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Processes and wording vary by letter type and tax (Self Assessment, PAYE, VAT, Corporation Tax). If you’re unsure what you received, if the sums are large, or if you think it’s a formal information notice, get qualified advice promptly.

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