Advice on specialist Tax matters
Our team also provides specialist support across a wide range of related areas, including criminal investigations, expert advisor, mediation, PAYE, furlough scheme error reviews and more.
Disputes with HMRC can be frustrating, time consuming and expensive. Particularly when HMRC becomes entrenched in its position.
We understand how unsettling and stressful this can be. Our tax dispute specialists can guide you through the process and help you bring the matter to a successful resolution.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to tackling tax problems. Every case is different, which is why our experts are equipped to assist with a range of issues, tailoring our strategy to your unique circumstances.
Criminal investigations
HMRC typically investigates suspected tax fraud using its civil powers under the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF).
However, HMRC reserves the right to pursue a criminal investigation and prosecution in any case where it believes tax evasion has occurred.
If a criminal investigation is launched, you will require legal representation from a specialist criminal defence solicitor, and we can introduce you to trusted professionals where needed.
Where we are involved early in the process, we can work alongside your legal representative to attempt to persuade HMRC to bring the investigation back into a civil setting.
If HMRC or the Crown Prosecution Service proceed with a criminal case, we can review the basis of the tax fraud allegation in detail and make representations wherever there are grounds to challenge HMRC’s position.
HMRC’s Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediations and tribunals (ADR)
In certain ongoing disputes with HMRC, the facts of a case may make alternative approaches more suitable.
ADR is a collaborative process in which an impartial HMRC mediator, who has had no prior involvement in the case, attempts to assist the parties to work towards resolving a tax dispute outside of the Tribunal or Court.
The parties in dispute retain control over whether or not to settle. It provides an opportunity to create a negotiated agreement without escalating the matter to the tax tribunal, although that option remains available if the ADR does not succeed.
Where ADR is not appropriate or proves unsuccessful, we can assist in preparing for a tribunal hearing, ensuring you are fully supported at every stage of the dispute.
Furlough support errors
Any employer who needs to make a disclosure or is facing a penalty challenge from HMRC, should seek appropriate specialist advice.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was introduced early in the pandemic to support more than one million businesses. Billions of pounds were paid out to help employers furlough staff rather than make them redundant.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was introduced early in the pandemic to support more than one million businesses. Billions of pounds were paid out to help employers furlough staff rather than make them redundant.
Billions of pounds were paid to businesses to temporarily furlough employees rather than make them redundant.
While most employers acted in good faith, the speed and scale of the scheme created opportunities for mistakes and, in some cases, deliberate abuse.
To address this, HMRC introduced measures to identify and investigate employers who accidentally and deliberately overclaimed furlough support. To date, this has resulted in thousands of investigations and several arrests.
Legislation was introduced to enable HMRC to recover overpaid grants. Crucially, the penalty regime automatically treats a failure to notify HMRC of the error as ‘deliberate and concealed’ behaviour, regardless of the employer’s actual behaviour. This can lead to penalties of up to 100% of the overclaimed amount.
Other bespoke services
Professional practices such as accountancy and law firms often provide compliance and advisory services to a wide range of clients, building strong, long-standing relationships. Nonetheless, even the most experienced advisors will sometimes encounter tax issues outside of their usual expertise.
We regularly work alongside other accountancy firms and solicitors to support their clients through tax investigations and disputes, offering specialist knowledge and advice where needed.
Get in touch
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We're here to help
Our experienced and award-winning Tax Disputes and Investigations team can help you navigate your case and ensure you meet your obligations.
Book a free consultation
We are an independent tax advisory firm that helps clients navigate HMRC investigations, disclosures and disputes.
If you would prefer to speak to one of our specialists, please call our free confidential consultation line on +44 (0)800 656 9900.