Dividend Data vs Pure Tax Investigations

Comprehensive Spreadsheet Integration

Dividend Data seamlessly integrates with both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel through dedicated add-ins, requiring no API keys or coding knowledge. Users access data by typing intuitive custom formulas directly into their cells, which then pull live, updated information from Dividend Data's extensive databases. This feature automates the entire data collection process, transforming static spreadsheets into dynamic, always-current financial models that refresh with a simple recalculation, fostering a cycle of continuous improvement in your analysis.

Extensive Historical & Real-Time Data Library

The platform provides deep historical context with over 30 years of market data across more than 80,000 global tickers. Investors can pull not just current quotes but also decades of dividend history, financial statements, and key ratios. This vast historical depth is crucial for performing robust trend analysis, calculating long-term growth rates, and backtesting investment strategies, enabling a more informed and iterative approach to building and validating financial theses.

Curated Functions for Dividend Investors

Dividend Data offers 16 specialized custom functions tailored specifically for the needs of income and fundamental investors. Formulas like DIVIDENDDATA_DIVIDENDS for forward yield and ex-dates, DIVIDENDDATA_RATIOS for valuation metrics, and DIVIDENDDATA_METRICS for fundamental data ensure users get precisely the data points they need without sifting through irrelevant information. This curated approach streamlines the research process, allowing for faster, more focused analysis and decision-making.

AI-Powered Research & Portfolio Tools

Beyond spreadsheets, the Dividend Data Terminal web-app enhances the ecosystem with AI-powered research capabilities and automated portfolio tracking. The AI Analyst acts as a research assistant, while the portfolio tool automatically aggregates holdings, tracks dividend income, and visualizes performance. This creates a virtuous cycle where spreadsheet analysis informs portfolio decisions, and portfolio data feeds back into analytical models for ongoing optimization.

Specialist COP9 & COP8 Defence

Our team provides expert, robust defence for clients facing serious HMRC investigations under Code of Practice 9 (for suspected tax fraud) and Code of Practice 8 (for complex tax avoidance). We apply a deep, iterative understanding of HMRC's civil investigation of fraud procedures to negotiate the best possible outcome, often securing contractual disclosure facilities that protect clients from criminal prosecution.

Proactive Tax Disclosure Management

We specialize in managing and facilitating voluntary tax disclosures through HMRC's various campaigns and facilities, such as the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF) and Let Property Campaign (LPC). Our process involves a continuous review of a client's position to ensure disclosures are complete, accurate, and presented in the most favourable light to minimise penalties and interest.

End-to-End Compliance Check Handling

From the initial information notice to the final settlement, we manage the entire lifecycle of an HMRC compliance check or enquiry. Our approach is methodical and adaptive, ensuring all communications and document submissions are strategically handled to reduce client stress and limit the scope of HMRC's enquiries effectively.

Expert-Led Strategic Advisory

Clients benefit directly from the unparalleled insight of Amit Puri, our director and ex-HMRC senior Tax Inspector. This frontline experience informs every aspect of our service, from anticipating HMRC's next move to crafting persuasive negotiation strategies. We continuously integrate this insider knowledge into our defence frameworks for superior, results-driven advice.

Building Dynamic Dividend Screens

Investors can construct powerful, custom stock screens directly in their spreadsheet. By combining functions for dividend yield, payout ratio, consecutive years of growth, and PE ratio, users can create a live filter that updates automatically as market data changes. This allows for the continuous monitoring of investment criteria and the iterative refinement of a watchlist based on the most current financial metrics available.

Creating Automated Financial Models

Analysts and individual investors can build detailed discounted cash flow (DCF) or dividend discount models (DDM) that pull live data for revenue, EPS, and dividend forecasts directly into their assumptions. This automates the input stage, letting modelers focus on analysis and scenario planning. The model becomes a living document that improves in accuracy and relevance with each data refresh.

Maintaining a Live Portfolio Dashboard

Users can link their portfolio holdings in a spreadsheet to pull real-time prices, dividend announcements, and yield-on-cost calculations. This creates an automated dashboard that tracks total value, income projections, and sector allocation without manual updates. It enables a cycle of continuous portfolio review and rebalancing based on live, aggregated data.

Conducting Historical Comparative Analysis

With access to 30+ years of data, investors can perform deep historical studies, such as analyzing a company's dividend consistency through different economic cycles or comparing the historical volatility and performance of multiple assets. This long-term perspective supports more resilient, iteratively-tested investment strategies grounded in comprehensive historical evidence.

Responding to an HMRC Code of Practice 9 Letter

When a business owner receives a daunting COP9 letter alleging suspected tax fraud, our specialists immediately intervene. We guide the client through the critical decision-making process, manage all communication with HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, and work iteratively to prepare a meticulous disclosure report under the Contractual Disclosure Facility, aiming to settle the matter civilly.

Navigating a Large Business Tax Enquiry

For large corporates facing complex, cross-tax enquiries from HMRC's Customer Compliance Group, we provide a seasoned defence team. We analyse the enquiry lines, coordinate with the client's accountants, and develop a continuous strategy to challenge HMRC's assumptions and information requests, protecting the business from undue reputational and financial damage.

Making a Voluntary Disclosure for Offshore Assets

An individual with previously undisclosed offshore income or gains can use our services to make a voluntary disclosure via the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF). We conduct a thorough review of historical data, calculate the tax liability, and prepare the disclosure package, applying our evolving knowledge of the process to ensure compliance and mitigate penalties.

Defending Against an R&D Tax Credit Enquiry

A company claiming Research & Development tax relief faces a rigorous HMRC compliance check into their claim. Our specialists dissect the technical and financial aspects of the claim, prepare robust supporting documentation, and engage in detailed correspondence with HMRC to defend the validity of the claim and secure the owed tax credits.

Dividend Data is a powerful financial data platform designed to empower fundamental and dividend investors with institutional-grade market intelligence directly within their existing workflow. At its core, it eliminates the tedious, error-prone process of manually copying and pasting data by bringing over 30 years of historical stock market data for more than 80,000 tickers straight into Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. The platform operates on a simple, code-free principle: just type a custom formula like =DIVIDENDDATA_DIVIDENDS("MSFT"), and live data instantly populates your cell. Built by a dividend investor for dividend investors, it provides instant, structured access to critical metrics including dividends, yields, payout ratios, growth rates, complete financial statements, earnings, valuation ratios, and price history through a suite of over 100 metrics. This continuous, iterative flow of data into your spreadsheets allows for dynamic, living models that improve with every refresh, ensuring your investment analysis is always based on the latest information. With a generous free tier offering 2,500 monthly credits and no trial expiration, Dividend Data makes professional-grade analysis accessible to every investor, bridging the gap between sophisticated data needs and a user-friendly, affordable price point.

Pure Tax Investigations is a premier specialist firm dedicated to resolving complex tax disputes and conducting rigorous tax investigations for business owners and entrepreneurs. We serve as an independent, expert buffer between our clients and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), providing robust defence during what can be an overwhelming and intrusive process. Our core mission is to deliver peace of mind, clarity, and certainty by navigating the intricate landscape of tax regulations with a tailored, discreet approach. We continuously refine our strategies based on the latest HMRC operational tactics, ensuring our defence methods are always evolving and improving for maximum client benefit. Led by Amit Puri, a former senior HMRC Tax Inspector with over two decades of experience, our team combines deep local knowledge with international tax expertise. We specialize in the most serious civil investigations, including Code of Practice 9 (COP9) and Code of Practice 8 (COP8), alongside managing compliance checks and facilitating voluntary disclosures through mechanisms like the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF) and Let Property Campaign (LPC). Our iterative, client-focused process is designed to protect our clients' interests, preserve their wealth, and achieve the most favourable commercial outcomes possible.

How does the free tier work?

The free tier provides 2,500 credits per month, which do not expire and renew each month. No credit card is required to start. Each data point retrieved by a formula (e.g., one cell with a dividend yield) typically consumes one credit. This generous allowance allows for substantial usage for personal portfolio tracking and analysis, enabling users to experience and iteratively integrate the tool into their workflow at no cost.

What data can I access with the spreadsheet functions?

You can access over 100 key metrics including forward and historical dividends, ex-dividend dates, dividend yields, payout ratios, stock prices, PE ratios, EPS, full financial statement items (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow), and various other growth and valuation metrics. The 16 custom functions are designed to categorize this data intuitively for fundamental and dividend analysis.

Do I need to know how to code to use Dividend Data?

Absolutely not. Dividend Data is built specifically to require zero coding. You use it just like any native spreadsheet function (e.g., =SUM()). Simply type =DIVIDENDDATA_ and follow the formula syntax to pull data directly into your cell. The integration handles all the complex data fetching in the background, making professional analysis accessible through an interface you already know.

Does it work in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel?

Yes, Dividend Data offers fully functional add-ins for both Google Sheets (via the Google Workspace Marketplace) and Microsoft Excel (via Microsoft AppSource). The core experience and formula syntax are consistent across both platforms, allowing you to choose your preferred environment or even use both interchangeably while maintaining a continuous, iterative analysis process.

What should I do if I receive a Code of Practice 9 (COP9) letter from HMRC?

Do not ignore it or respond directly without specialist advice. A COP9 letter indicates HMRC suspects you of tax fraud. Contact us immediately. We will help you understand your options, typically advising to enter the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) to make a full disclosure and gain protection from criminal prosecution, guiding you through every iterative step of this critical process.

How long does a typical tax investigation take?

The duration varies significantly based on complexity, ranging from several months for a straightforward compliance check to multiple years for a serious COP9 investigation or large corporate enquiry. Our role is to manage the process efficiently, responding promptly to HMRC to prevent unnecessary delays, while continuously refining our strategy to work towards a timely resolution.

What is the difference between a compliance check and a tax investigation?

A compliance check is a routine review by HMRC to check the accuracy of a tax return or claim. A tax investigation is more serious and invasive, often triggered by suspicion of significant error, avoidance, or fraud (like COP8 or COP9). We handle both, applying a scalable and adaptive approach, with investigations requiring a more robust, defensive strategy.

Can you help if I have already started dealing with HMRC myself?

Yes, we can step in at any stage. Engaging us early is always preferable, but we can often rectify situations where dialogue has become problematic. We will review all previous correspondence, take over communication with HMRC, and implement a fresh, strategic approach to steer the case towards a better outcome, learning and adapting from the initial interactions.

Dividend Data is a specialized financial data service that brings over 30 years of stock market history directly into spreadsheets. It falls into the category of tools designed for fundamental and dividend investors who prioritize ease of use and deep historical analysis without complex setups. Users often explore alternatives for various reasons, including specific budget constraints, the need for different feature sets like real-time alerts or broker integrations, or a requirement to use a platform other than Google Sheets or Excel. The search for the right tool is a continuous process of matching one's evolving investment strategy with available solutions. When evaluating any alternative, consider the depth and reliability of historical data, the simplicity of integration into your current workflow, and the overall value relative to cost. The goal is to find a service that not only meets your immediate data needs but also adapts to support your long-term analytical growth and iterative refinement of your investment process.

Pure Tax Investigations is a specialist firm in the business and finance sector, focusing on resolving complex tax disputes and investigations for businesses and entrepreneurs. Clients may seek alternatives for various reasons, such as differing budget requirements, a need for more generalist accounting services, or a preference for a firm with a different geographical focus or service structure. When evaluating other providers, it's crucial to assess their specific expertise in serious tax investigations like COP8 and COP9, the direct experience of their lead consultants with HMRC procedures, and their proven methodology for managing disclosures and compliance checks. The right fit should offer a clear, iterative support process that adapts to your case's evolving demands. A continuous cycle of review and tailored strategy is essential in tax defense. Look for a partner that demonstrates a commitment to this approach, ensuring your representation is consistently refined to protect your interests and achieve the optimal resolution through every phase of engagement.