HM Revenue and Customs is suspending enquiries into taxpayers and businesses that are under investigation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a leading advisory firm.

Blick Rothenberg says HMRC has written to a number of taxpayers under enquiry telling them that, in light of the lockdown, they should not request information or documents, and should not press for responses to existing requests.

In more extreme cases, enquiries have been temporarily suspended.

However, Blick Rothenberg has cautioned against a false sense of security.

Tax dispute resolution partner Fiona Fernie says: “Whilst this may seem to be welcome news, there may be good reasons to press ahead if taxpayers or their businesses are already under enquiry.

“For individual taxpayers and businesses whose activities are currently curtailed, it would be sensible for them to use the time they have now to deal with HMRC rather than store up problems for the future…After all, if tax is due – it is still going to be due when we come out of this.”

While the firm notes HMRC has set up a dedicated helpline for coronavirus issues, it is encouraging businesses and individuals to proactively contact HMRC if they feel they will be unable to meet the timescales for paying bills.