SDLTM81730 - Compliance: Working an enquiry

Meetings: Resistance to attending a meeting

It is not unusual to meet resistance to attending a meeting from either purchaser or agent. Reasons for this may include that

• meetings are costly both in terms of the purchaser's lost time and the fees charged by the agent. For this reason alone a meeting should never be requested unless it is necessary
• the distance between the Stamp Office, agent’s office and business premises will add to the cost of the meeting because of travelling time
• for many people, including those whose land transaction return is complete and correct, a meeting with HM Revenue & Customs is a daunting prospect
• an agent may not be happy to bring their client to a meeting. Some purchasers regard their agent as a shield against HM Revenue & Customs, and attendance at a meeting might be seen as a failure on the agent's part