Section 144 – Carrying out inspections under section 141 or 142: further provision
187.This section provides further powers, in subsections (2) to (5), available to a designated officer carrying out an inspection of business premises under section 141 or 142. These include: taking any other person(s) with them onto the premises (including a constable where there is serious obstruction); taking any equipment or materials required for the purpose of the inspection (for example heavy machinery); examining or investigating anything considered necessary in the circumstances of the inspection; directing that the premises (or any part of the premises) be left undisturbed for as long as is reasonably necessary for the purposes of any examination or investigation.
188.The power to take equipment or machinery can be exercised either at a time agreed with the occupier or at any other reasonable time. The power can only be exercised at any reasonable time either: a) where a notice was issued under section 143(2)(a) informing the occupier in advance that the officer intended to exercise the power; or b) where it is deemed by the officer that there are reasonable grounds for believing that giving advance notice that the power will be exercised would seriously prejudice the assessment or collection of tax.