Fee Protection Insurance

Last updated: 21 February 2026

Fee Protection Insurance for Barristers

An HMRC investigation can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. Even if you have done nothing wrong, the professional fees involved in responding to an enquiry can run into thousands of pounds. Jack Ross Chartered Accountants offers HMRC Fee Protection Insurance specifically for barristers, covering the cost of professional representation if you are selected for investigation.

What’s Included

• Annual fee protection insurance policy tailored to barristers
• Coverage for accountancy and legal fees arising from HMRC enquiries
• Full HMRC enquiry representation and correspondence handling
• Protection against Section 9A income tax enquiries
• VAT inspection and dispute coverage
• Employer compliance review coverage for those with PAYE obligations
• IR35 and employment status investigation support
• Timely reimbursement of eligible professional costs
• Coverage for HMRC compliance checks related to MTD filing obligations
• Informal and aspect enquiry coverage, not just full enquiries

Why the Cost Adds Up

A typical Section 9A full enquiry into a barrister’s tax return requires your accountant to review records, prepare detailed responses, attend meetings with HMRC officers, and negotiate any settlements. Professional fees for a straightforward enquiry commonly reach £5,000 to £8,000. If the investigation extends to earlier years or involves complex issues such as the treatment of international arbitration income or VAT disputes, costs can exceed £15,000. Fee protection insurance covers these professional costs, so the enquiry does not become a financial burden on top of the stress it already causes.

Why Choose Jack Ross

Our team of seasoned accountants possesses a deep understanding of the legal profession’s financial intricacies, including tax matters and HMRC regulations. We are well-equipped to provide insurance solutions tailored to barristers. Our fee protection insurance offers robust coverage, safeguarding you from the potentially substantial costs associated with HMRC investigations, inquiries, or disputes.

With our insurance, you can focus on your legal practice knowing that your financial interests are protected. HMRC investigations can be stressful, but our insurance provides peace of mind and ensures that cost is never a barrier to proper professional representation.

Why Barristers Should Consider Fee Protection

HMRC selects taxpayers for investigation based on a range of factors, including anomalies in tax returns, significant year-on-year income fluctuations, and random selection. Barristers are particularly susceptible because their income naturally varies between years depending on the cases they undertake. A sharp increase or decrease in reported earnings can trigger an enquiry even when everything has been reported correctly.

Without fee protection, the cost of responding to an HMRC investigation falls entirely on you. We provide expert support and representation to help resolve the matter efficiently and effectively. Our plans are tailored to your specific needs, whether you are a sole practitioner or part of a larger chambers. We recommend fee protection to all our clients as part of a comprehensive approach to tax planning and risk management.

HMRC enquiries are becoming more common as Making Tax Digital penalties create additional compliance obligations. Fee protection insurance covers your professional costs if you are investigated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does fee protection insurance cost?

The annual premium for barristers is a modest fixed fee that is itself a tax-deductible business expense. Given that a single HMRC enquiry can cost £5,000 to £15,000 in professional fees, the insurance represents excellent value. We provide a quote as part of your annual review.

Does the policy cover VAT inspections?

Yes. The policy covers VAT compliance checks and disputes in addition to income tax enquiries. This is particularly relevant for VAT-registered barristers who file quarterly VAT returns and may face questions about input VAT claims or the VAT treatment of specific types of work.

What if HMRC opens an enquiry into a previous year’s return?

Provided the policy was in force when the return was filed, the enquiry is covered regardless of when HMRC opens it. HMRC has 12 months from the filing date to open a Section 9A enquiry, so maintaining continuous cover is important. We remind you each year when your renewal is due. For more on what triggers investigations, visit our guides section.