HMRC audit for Private Limited Companies time period

latte303

How many years back does HMRC usually audit private limited companies tax returns? I know that official guidelines say keep your records for 6 years at least but is there a time window by which they usually investigate returns? For instance, personal income tax returns are usually, if chosen, audited within 12 months after the return - is it a similar time frame for private limited companies?

Thanks!

uknick

Is there a particular reason you're asking?

Darksparkle

That deadline can be extended for personal tax returns in certain circumstances.

Look up the gov site, the time limits will be there.

TempUserName123

Typical investigations are opened within 12 months of the Corporation Tax return being filed.

HMRC can go back up to 6 years for unpaid Tax if there has been a clear shortfall.

They can go back 20 years for fraudulent returns.