Ministers have agreed to the recommencement of Business Record Checks (BRC). The re-launch will begin 1 November 2012 and will be rolled-out, on a region by region basis, over a period of 14 weeks finishing early in 2013.
The re-launch will initially involve HMRC writing to customers, who they believe may be at risk of keeping inadequate records, advising them that they will be calling them to discuss their business. The customer’s response to this conversation will then enable HMRC to assess whether no further action is required, the customer could benefit from tailored educational support, or if a BRC visit is required.
Where a BRC visit reveals the customer is keeping inadequate records, a follow up visit will be arranged normally three months later, giving the business a reasonable time to make the necessary improvements to their record-keeping processes. If, on the second visit, the records have not improved to an adequate standard, then a penalty may be charged.
The re-designed BRC process will offer benefits for businesses at risk of keeping inadequate records. It will help businesses pay the right amount of tax at the right time, thereby avoiding interest and penalties for errors and late payment, whilst also giving HMRC greater assurance when a business submits its tax returns.
Roll Out Schedule for BRC
London / London and Anglia – 26 November 2012
South East England – 14 January 2013
Scotland – 14 January 2013
Northern Ireland – 14 January 2013
Central – 21 January 2013
East of England – 28 January 2013
North Wales & the North West – 28 January 2013
South Wales & the South West – 4 February 2013
