An HMRC enquiry or investigation can have a serious effect on the operation of a business or on the life of an individual. It can take up time and resources and also have onerous financial and reputational implications. Our nationally recognised tax litigation lawyers are sensitive to these issues and strive to accomplish the most practical and cost-effective results possible.
Our experienced team, which includes qualified mediators and solicitors with rights of audience in the higher courts, advises both corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals on tax disputes, often involving international issues. We manage any procedure from initial enquiries to fraud investigations, and any court action from small tribunal cases to high value litigation at all levels.
Our team is experienced in negotiating with HMRC and adopting ADR as a method of resolving tax disputes in order to avoid litigation wherever our clients wish to do so; but we provide robust litigation support to our clients when the circumstances demand it.
Having a thorough understanding of the market and HMRC's litigation and settlement strategy means our team of specialist tax compliance lawyers can take a strategic approach to a range of complex tax compliance issues.
We have a detailed understanding of the tax compliance needs of our clients, which span companies, corporate bodies, partnerships, individuals and trustees. We advise these clients on complex cross-border compliance issues and work with professionals in other jurisdictions to provide a complete and efficient service. In addition, we often act for tax advisers in defending claims and act as specialist consultants to other advisers.
Areas of focus
Our expertise in tax disputes includes the following:
- Civil enquiries and investigations under COP9.
- Fraud investigations.
- Alternative dispute resolution, including facilitation and mediation.
- Losses resulting from negligent advice.
- Negligence actions against tax advisers.
- Representing clients in tax tribunals and arranging for representations in the higher courts.
- Discovery assessments.
- Misdeclaration and other penalty appeals.
- Responding to accelerated payment notices and follower notices.
- Judicial review.