MPs hold meeting with HMRC over Stowmarket accountancy firm
Police are looking into Apostle Accounting after customers were investigated by HMRC
Last updated 12th May 2023
Dozens of MPs have held a meeting with HMRC after customers of a Stowmarket accountancy firm were investigated and sent fines.
Suffolk Police are looking alleged fraud at Apostle Accounting, something the firm strongly denies.
The company offered a service allowing customers to claim expenses for work costs.
However it's alleged up to several hundred claims submitted by Apostle to HMRC were innacurate.
This led to customers being told by the taxman to repay rebates on their taxes which they were ineligible for.
Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill secured the sitdown with HMRC earlier this week and was joined by dozens of other MPs who have affected constituents.
In a statement on social media, Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman said: "I was pleased to be involved in a meeting... with HMRC to discuss the ongoing situation and represent our affected constituents."
"I took the opportunity to reaffirm the points previously raised in the joint letter I submitted to the Chief Executive of HMRC with Dr Dan Poulter MP, Duncan Baker MP, the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP and Tom Hunt MP, highlighting in particular the need to swiftly investigate the matter and provide additional support to those affected. "
"Rest assured, I will continue to follow this developing case closely, working with fellow parliamentarians to provide support for those affected and to ensure that HMRC strengthen their systems in order to try and prevent such situations in future."
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt and Central Suffolk MP Dr Dan Poulter are among other local politicians to have written to the taxman outlining their concerns about Apostle.
In a statement released earlier this month, a spokesperson for Suffolk Constabulary said: "Suffolk Police have been made aware of a large number of allegations of fraud involving a business in Stowmarket."
"An investigation is now underway, and officers are liaising with HMRC and other agencies.
"Anyone who believes they may have been defrauded should contact Action Fraud in the first instance."
In a statement issued via it's lawyers a few weeks ago, Apostle said:
"HMRC has previously conducted standard compliance checks of the practices of Apostle including in respect of (the expenses service) – there has been no finding of wrongdoing" it said.
"HMRC has.... unilaterally made a decision to revisit rebate returns from former clients of Apostle, including claims made as long ago as 2016.
It added: "Apostle in no way accepts the allegations against it or liability for payments HMRC may be seeking from former clients."
"Working closely with its solicitors, and external independent advisors, Apostle will be submitting a thorough submission to HMRC explaining why it believes there has been an incorrect application by HMRC officers of its own rules/guidance (or a misinterpretation thereof).
"For the avoidance of doubt, it strongly contests allegations, if any, of non-compliance issues and/or fraudulent tax claims and is entirely confident that it will demonstrate its compliance with the applicable rules and regulations and will continue to liaise with HMRC.
"Apostle has and always aims to act in a transparent manner and with the utmost good faith at all times."
HMRC says its can't comment on individual cases.