Our Tax Team has significant experience assisting clients with a range of tax investigatory matters instigated by HM Revenue and Customs ("HMRC"), from initial correspondence or requests for information, to formal enquiries, discovery assessments, stop notices and seizures of assets. We can also advise those who are accused of using tax avoidance schemes or fraud.

Where disputes with HMRC cannot be resolved by internal review, we represent clients before the specialist tax tribunals and UK Courts, and can assist with any associated directors' disqualification proceedings and action under the Insolvency Act 1986.

We also act for importers and exporters of goods on all aspects of their interactions with UK Border Force, including where goods have been detained or seized.

Our specialist team understands the impact of tax investigations and disputes on business operations and on individuals. We provide comprehensive and holistic advice to reduce the risk of litigation where possible, and when litigation is the only viable option, our expert tax lawyers and litigators work together to provide you practical advice.

Why should I instruct a lawyer when I already have an accountant?

Instructing a specialist tax lawyer at an early stage brings a fresh pair of eyes to review your position. Communications with your lawyer can benefit from the principle of legal privilege, which protects certain confidential documents from being disclosed to a third party, including HMRC, where these are prepared for the purpose of receiving legal advice or in the course of litigation.

The same principle does not apply to the same extent in relation to advice from other professionals.

Whoever you decide to instruct, early advice is key. We can help you or your business with:

VAT assessment

We understand the cashflow implications when there are difficulties identifying the correct VAT treatment of a supply of goods or services, and the impact of receiving an unexpected tax bill. Our experts have litigated in Tax tribunals all the way up to the European Court of Justice on VAT issues.

Customs and duties assessments

Our team can assist your business with customs and excise duties assessments, applying for customs reliefs and when HMRC and UK Border Force take enforcement action including seizing goods and excise duty drawback.

PAYE and NIC

We can help with all payroll tax disputes with HMRC including IR35 status determination issues.

Construction Industry Scheme

Issues concerning the application of the Construction Industry Scheme can have a particularly hard-hitting financial impact on a business' cashflow and even viability. Our experts can guide you through any dispute relating to the Construction Industry Scheme, including the application of the scheme and gross payment status

Land taxes

Our team regularly advises on the land tax (stamp duty land tax, land and buildings transaction tax and land transaction tax) implications of real estate transactions. We also advise if HMRC raise an enquiry for an incorrect return or underpaid tax, whether that's connected to the correct rate of tax, a relief claimed or the amount of consideration which has been attributed to a transaction.

Corporation tax

We can assist your business with corporation tax enquiries and assessments, including enquiries and disputes related to research and development relief claims.

Tax avoidance

We can assist you and your business with tax avoidance scheme enquiries, notices and disputes, including referrals to the Interest Review Unit.

Financial penalties

We can assist Directors of companies who have been issued personal penalties in relation to either their conduct as a Director or their personal tax affairs.