When officials visit.
WHO MAY INSPECT
Tax authorities Sector regulators Standards and product agencies Labour inspectors Local authorities
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
Who they are, and under what authority.
HOW
Identification, and the document authorising the inspection.
WHAT TO DO
Record their names, the agency, and the stated purpose.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Admit anyone without verification Provide documents without recording what was provided Allow removal of originals without a receipt
WHAT TO PROVIDE
What is within the scope of the authority shown.
WHAT NOT TO PROVIDE
Anything outside it.
WHY
Scope creep during inspections is common.
WHAT TO DO IF ASKED FOR SOMETHING OUTSIDE SCOPE
Ask for the basis, politely, in writing.
WHAT TO HAVE READY
Registration certificates Tax filings and receipts Licences Statutory records Employee records
WHY READY
Producing them promptly shortens inspections considerably.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DEMANDS FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENT
Ask for the assessment in writing, with the basis.
WHY
Legitimate assessments are documented.
WHAT TO AVOID
Informal settlements without documentation.
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
Record what happened, and follow up on any undertakings.
WHAT TO ENGAGE
Professional advice, for anything substantial.
