Tax Litigation

Tax law has never been a more contentious or high-profile issue. Detailed and changing rules, closer scrutiny and higher penalties – both in terms of fines and reputational impact – all mean that sound, up-to-date and commercially driven tax advice is more important than ever.

Our specialist Tax Investigations & Dispute Resolution team combines leaders in contentious matters and tax law. We guide businesses and individuals through their tax disputes with HMRC, working proactively to manage their liabilities, preserve their reputations and find solutions.

Our team has experience in successfully challenging tax assessments and can take your matter from the enquiry stage through to the tax tribunals and appeal courts.

In contentious situations, it is essential to have clear objectives and a coherent strategy for achieving them. Our approach is to think tactically from the outset and present our clients with clear solutions. We will identify any risk areas for you and advise you promptly and succinctly on your position.

Our recent experience includes:

• An appeal to the First Tier Tribunal concerning the application of Stamp Duty Land Tax mixed use rates (Espalier Ventures Property Ltd v HMRC [2023] TC8914)
• Judicial review challenge to HMRC’s decision to publish a company’s name and details using its “name and shame” powers.
• Acting for a bank being investigated by what is now known as the Fraud Investigations Service Unit of HMRC.
• Advising an international news agency in a dispute with HMRC over its use of dual contract employment arrangements.
• Advising a well-known Savile Row tailor in a dispute with HMRC regarding the status of its self-employed tailors.
• Representing a client in a VAT dispute that went to the Court of Appeal.