The UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has introduced a new, free online tool called Interactive Compliance Guidance.
This tool is designed to help both businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of HMRC compliance checks.
The Interactive Compliance Guidance tool consolidates existing compliance guidance and instructional videos.
It simplifies the process of finding relevant information on why HMRC may request specific documents, how to handle health or personal issues during checks, appointing a representative, disputing decisions, and settling tax assessments or penalties.
This initiative is part of HMRC’s initiative to enhance digital interaction with taxpayers.
It joins other interactive tools such as the ‘VAT Registration Estimator’, which helps businesses understand the implications of VAT registration and guides them through the process.
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By GlobalDataThe HMRC app and online services also offer secure interaction with the department, enabling users to manage their tax affairs conveniently.
The guidance and tools are said to be purely informational and free to use.
They do not trigger tax registration, nor does HMRC collect or store any user information through them.
HMRC actively seeks feedback from businesses and stakeholders to refine its online resources, ensuring a better customer experience.
Low Incomes Tax Reform Group Technical Officer and Customer Experience Advisory Group member Joanne Walker said: “This new interactive tool from HMRC makes compliance guidance readily accessible in one place, and easier for people to find the information that is relevant to them. The links to the extra support available will be especially valuable for the most vulnerable customers.
“Along with other stakeholders, I have commented on and tested the interactive guidance tool at various stages and a lot of work has been put into its development. It clearly sets out the topics, uses an easy-to-understand question and answer format, provides clear guidance videos, step-by-step explanations, and links to other relevant guidance.”
This development follows reports from April 2025, by Pinsent Masons, that tax investigations into the UK’s largest businesses, defined by HMRC as those with an annual turnover exceeding £200m, are taking an average of 45 months.
