Tax Disputes
Our experienced tax dispute solicitors help businesses, individuals and professional advisers resolve conflicts with HMRC. From challenging unexpected tax assessments and penalties to negotiating settlements and handling tribunal appeals, we provide clear, practical advice to protect your position and minimise disruption.
Key contact
Nathan Talbott
Joint Head of Commercial Litigation, Leamington Spa
I advise corporates, individuals and financial institutions on a range of litigation and tax issues. I also advise FCA-regulated firms in relation to commercial disputes, misconduct, regulatory and enforcement action.
Resolving your tax disputes
We advise on disputes involving (amongst others):
- Corporation Tax
- Capital Gains Tax
- Income Tax
- PAYE Tax
- National Insurance Contributions
- Inheritance Tax.
Our experience
We are experienced and expert at resolving HMRC disputes. We do this through:
- Early engagement with HMRC to limit penalties and interest
- Negotiation of settlements where appropriate
- Preparation of appeals and representation at tribunal hearings
- Protecting reputations where businesses or individuals are facing allegations of misconduct
- Providing practical, commercial advice to help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently asked questions on tax disputes
We regularly advise on tax disputes in relation to (amongst others):
- Employee Benefit Trusts (EBT)
- Employer-Financed Retirement Benefits Scheme (EFRB)
- Tax Reliefs (Including: Entrepreneurs Relief, Incorporation Relief, Roll Over Relief, R&D Relief, Marginal Relief, Disincorporation Relief and Terminal Loss Relief)
- Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS)
- Stamp Duty Land Tax Schemes (SDLT)
- Share Loss Relief Schemes
- Car Benefit Schemes
- Employee Bonus Schemes – Growth Securities Ownership Plan (GSOP) and other avoidance schemes based on contracts for difference
- Film Fund Schemes.
Under the Finance Act 2014, HMRC can demand payment on account of a tax advantage received from participating in a tax avoidance scheme, prior to any final determination of the legitimacy of the tax avoidance scheme.
An APN can be issued by HMRC if a taxpayer has received a tax advantage from participating in a scheme; HMRC has an open enquiry or appeal into that tax advantage; and the scheme in question has been declared as a tax avoidance scheme under DOTAS (disclosure of tax avoidance schemes).
If you have received an APN it is imperative that you seek legal advice.
Seek legal advice immediately. Early engagement can often stop a dispute from escalating and may help reduce penalties and interest.
Yes. Options include requesting an internal HMRC review, lodging a formal appeal or taking your case to the Tax Tribunal. We guide clients through each stage of the process.