If a vehicle is found with rebated diesel in its fuel tank or fuel system HMRC will launch an investigation to establish whether this is a one off error or whether there has been a long term abuse in using rebated diesel.
These are costly and time consuming matters often starting with a request for 3 or more years of fuel receipts and tachograph records. Vehicles are also subject to seizure with significant sums payable to secure their release.
If the vehicle operator cannot demonstrate that sufficient DERV has been purchased for the miles vehicles have travelled the investigation will result in the issue of a demand for significant back duty often running to tens of thousands of pounds.
Sometimes vehicle operators are the victims of fraud where laundered fuel has been supplied and operators are often surprised at the steps HMRC expect them to take to guard against this.
We deal with such cases and can assist in case presentation, negotiation and were required appeals against demands. We can also advise on the steps needed to avoid purchasing laundered fuel.