HMRC & IR35 Compliance Checks

In this in-depth webinar, Dave Chaplin, CEO of IR35 Shield, provides a clear, practical breakdown of HMRC IR35 compliance checks and how organisations can prepare to pass them with minimal disruption. Drawing on extensive real-world experience supporting businesses through HMRC investigations, Dave explains how compliance checks are triggered, what HMRC is really looking for, and why most firms get into trouble unnecessarily.

The session begins by demystifying how HMRC selects organisations for off-payroll working reviews and dispelling the myth that checks are random. Dave outlines the role of risk profiling, whistleblowers, and HMRC’s focus on consultancies, agencies, and end clients within complex supply chains. He then explains the critical concept of “the client” under IR35 and how misidentifying this can shift tax liability up the chain.

A core focus of the webinar is the two-stage HMRC compliance process. Dave explains why achieving a “Part One exit” where HMRC concludes you are low risk based on your processes is the optimal outcome, and how poor preparation can lead to lengthy, costly deep-dive investigations or even tax tribunal. He emphasises the importance of documented processes, staff training, escalation procedures, and evidence of reasonable care.

The webinar also tackles common IR35 myths, including over-reliance on HMRC guidance and the CEST tool, clarifying why neither offers legal protection. Dave explains why contracts matter, why case law is now settled, and why businesses must rely on law and not “guidance” to defend their position.

This session is essential viewing for any organisation seeking to reduce IR35 risk, protect itself from HMRC scrutiny, and build defensible, future-proof off-payroll compliance.

If you're unsure about your IR35 compliance process, our experts are here to help. Book a call and speak to an expert.