Turning Six Years of Tax Stress into a Fresh Start

Sector: Self-employed creative manufacturing (curtains & blinds)

Service: Personal tax recovery, HMRC negotiation & special relief support

Summary of Benefits Delivered

• Incorrect HMRC penalties and determinations successfully overturned
• Six years of overdue tax returns completed from limited records
• Tax liability reduced from ~£30,000 to c.£5,000
• Significant emotional and administrative burden removed
• Client able to regain control and move forward positively

The Challenge

Lynn, a self-employed curtain and blinds maker, had fallen severely behind with her tax affairs. After several traumatic years marked by illness, bereavement and depression, she had not filed six years of tax returns and faced mounting HMRC pressure for almost £30,000 in alleged liabilities. Her previous accountant had failed to return key records, making reconstruction even harder. HMRC continued to chase, causing distress and leaving her overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.

The Sanders Solution

Sanders Partnership stepped in to:

• Liaise directly with HMRC, explaining Lynn’s circumstances and securing breathing space
• Rebuild six years of tax records using reliable third-party sources
• Prepare and submit all overdue returns
• Draft a comprehensive Special Relief application detailing her health, situation and the errors in HMRC assessments
• Challenge incorrect tax demands and negotiate cancellation of penalties

HMRC agreed with the submission, removed all penalties and replaced the incorrect assessments with an accurate liability of around £5,000. Lynn settled the final amount and was able to move on with confidence.

 “I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done. You’ve helped me get my life back.”  (Lynn)

 Client Background

Lynn operated a small self-employed textiles business. Personal circumstances—including family loss, relationship breakdown and severe depression—led to a prolonged period without financial management support. She has since recovered, resolved her tax affairs and relocated abroad to begin a new chapter.