An HMRC compliance visit (UK) or IRS audit (US) is a high-stakes encounter for any business. The questions asked, documents requested, explanations given and commitments made during an inspection can have significant financial and legal consequences. Yet businesses routinely rely on memory alone to document what was said - a significant risk in proceedings where contemporaneous records are the gold standard of evidence.
Documenting compliance discussions
With the inspector's agreement, Listen records the compliance meeting. The transcript provides an exact record: every question asked, every answer given, every document referred to, every commitment made by either party. The AI summary extracts the main topics covered and the inspector's specific requests. For related social services and benefits authority interactions, see our article on social benefits and employment service interviews.
Post-inspection reconstruction
Even without formal recording, Listen can be used immediately after the inspector leaves: dictate a detailed reconstruction while the conversation is fresh. This contemporaneous note, created within minutes of the meeting, carries substantial evidentiary weight and reduces the risk of disputes about what was agreed.
If you cannot reach agreement on recording the meeting, use Listen immediately after the inspector leaves to dictate a comprehensive summary. Inform your tax adviser the same day.
Discover the Listen guide for business professionals.