Savings (Government Contributions) Act 2017 section Sch 1 para 15

Scope and limits on HMRC's power to inspect documents at business premises

Section Sch 1 para 15 sets out the scope, limitations and procedural safeguards that apply when HMRC officers exercise their powers to enter business premises and inspect documents in connection with Lifetime ISA bonus claims or withdrawal charges.

• HMRC officers may enter and inspect documents at business premises but have no power to enter any part of the premises used solely as a dwelling.
• During an inspection, officers may obtain and record information — whether electronically or otherwise — relating to the documents they have inspected.
• The same restrictions that limit what HMRC can demand via a formal information notice also limit what can be inspected on premises; if a document could not be required under a notice, it cannot be inspected either.
• HMRC may seek prior approval from the First-tier Tribunal (or, where applicable, the Upper Tribunal) before carrying out an inspection, and the tribunal approval rules from the Finance Act 2008 apply to such applications.