Ask an expert: HMRC information powers and close company enquiries

Question

My client is one of two directors of a small company operating as fruit and vegetable wholesalers. The company supplies a number of restaurants and has been in business for over 15 years. HMRC recently opened an enquiry into the company tax return for the year ended 31 March 2014. Along with a lengthy request for all the business books and records my client was invited to attend a meeting with the inspector. The meeting was fairly general in nature covering invoicing and cash control procedures. Within a month of the meeting my client received a further letter from HMRC with a request for additional information this time including details of his personal bank account. I would like to understand the rights and obligations on both the part of...