Section 143 – Carrying out inspections under section 141 or 142
185.This section sets out conditions for inspections on business premises as provided for under sections 141 and 142. Subsections (1) and (2) provide that such inspections may only be carried out at a time agreed with the occupier of the premises or at any reasonable time if either: a) the occupier of the premises is given at least seven days’ notice in writing of the time of the inspection; or b) the designated officer has reasonable grounds for believing that giving advance notice of the inspection is likely to seriously inhibit or prejudice the collection of tax (for example, the officer had concerns that the person was likely to try and destroy or remove important evidence in advance of an inspection).
186.Subsection (3) provides that where subsection (2)(b) applies (i.e. no advance notice of the inspection is given), a written notice must be provided to the occupier or someone else who appears to be in charge of the premises at the time. If no one is present at the time, the notice must be left in a prominent place on the premises. Subsection (4) provides that a notice given in advance of an inspection (under subsection (2)(a)) or at the time of an inspection (under subsection (3)) must state the possible consequences of obstructing the designated officer from exercising the power to carry out the inspection. If such a notice has been given with the approval of the tribunal, it must state this (in order that the occupier is aware that if they deliberately obstruct the designated officer in the course of carrying out the inspection then they are liable to the penalty under section 167).
