Case Study | Industry: Engineering
Strong Preparation Delivers Quick Success from an HMRC Compliance Check
Aegis Engineering Ltd has been a client of IR35 Shield since 2021 and has consistently invested in maintaining a strong off-payroll compliance process. When HMRC began a compliance check into Aegis’ approach to off-payroll working in April 2025, they turned to IR35 Shield’s expert defence team for support under its included Tax Investigation Service.
Thanks to well-established compliance processes and clear evidence provided, the check was resolved in December 2025 with no further action required. The matter was closed, allowing Aegis to remain focused on running its business.
How IR35 Shield supported Aegis Engineering
Aegis had already laid solid foundations. They used IR35 Shield’s solution, had robust Status Determination Statements, and maintained a clear audit trail across their contractor engagements.
Under IR35 Shield’s Tax Investigation Service, the defence team managed the compliance check on Aegis’s behalf. All correspondence with HMRC was handled professionally, keeping the pressure off Aegis whilst providing reassurance throughout the process.
The ability to provably demonstrate compliance with accurate, corroborated evidence played a key role in keeping the check short.
After submitting the information to HMRC in June 2025, HMRC confirmed on 18 December 2025 that the compliance check was closed and that no further action was required. Rather than becoming drawn out over several years, the enquiry was resolved efficiently in a few months, saving Aegis significant time and avoiding unnecessary disruption to the business.
The underwritten IR35 Shield service entirely covered the work. Aegis had no additional bill to pay for the defence work.
Lessons learned
- Investing in good compliance upfront makes HMRC checks easier to pass.
- Strong evidence, including SDSs and audit trails, allows compliance to be demonstrated quickly.
- Professional defence support relieves internal teams of pressure and saves time.
- Off-payroll compliance checks do not need to take years when the right processes and advisors are in place.
Conclusion
IR35 Shield helped Aegis Engineering close an HMRC compliance check quickly and professionally by building on strong existing compliance foundations.
If your business invests in good off-payroll compliance, the right support can make HMRC checks straightforward and efficient. Speak to IR35 Shield’s expert team to ensure your business is properly supported if HMRC gets in touch.
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