Tax disputes and investigations

Navigate any HMRC enquiry with expert, end-to-end support

Whatever the tax issue, we lead the process on your behalf, reducing stress and securing the best outcome. Our team:

• Manages all HMRC communications and correspondence;
• Defends technical positions with practical, evidence-based arguments;
• Negotiates settlements and reduces penalties wherever possible;
• Supports you through ADR, tribunals or appeals if needed.

We act quickly to assess your situation and build a resolution strategy. Whether it’s an income tax issue, VAT dispute or group-level enquiry, we help bring clarity and control to the process.

Protect your personal finances during an HMRC review

We support individuals and directors facing HMRC scrutiny of their income tax position. This includes:

• Reviews of tax returns, investments or income sources;
• Responding to disclosure prompts or enquiries;
• Mitigating penalties and avoiding unnecessary charges.

Our personal tax team works discreetly and efficiently to resolve issues, protect your wealth and restore compliance.

Defend your business and minimise the cost of enquiry

Corporation tax enquiries can be technical and time-consuming. We work closely with your finance team to manage the response and reduce disruption.

We support with:

• HMRC challenges to returns, group reliefs or loss claims;
• Disputes over transfer pricing or capital allowances;
• Negotiations over adjustments and penalties.

We focus on resolving issues swiftly and protecting your business value throughout the process.

Manage complex, multi-layered investigations with confidence

HMRC’s risk profiling means one small issue can trigger a wider group or cross-tax investigation. Our multi-disciplinary team helps you:

• Coordinate responses across corporation tax, VAT, PAYE and more;
• Minimise group-wide exposure and avoid duplication of penalties;
• Prepare for and respond to business risk reviews.

We ensure you have a single, consistent strategy across all elements of your tax profile, reducing confusion and protecting outcomes.

Resolve VAT issues quickly and reduce impact on cashflow

We handle enquiries relating to VAT registrations, returns, partial exemption, and customs declarations.

Our support includes:

• Technical review of VAT treatment and transaction flows;
• Responding to HMRC and supporting documentation;
• Identifying reclaim opportunities or settlement options.

We ensure your VAT position is defensible, accurate and resolved efficiently, avoiding knock-on impacts to your cashflow or operations.

Expert defence in high-stakes, serious tax investigations

These specialist codes are applied where HMRC suspects avoidance (COP8) or fraud (COP9). Our team has extensive experience in:

• Responding to initial notices and interviews;
• Managing full disclosure under COP9 procedures;
• Liaising with HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service.

We provide calm, expert guidance in highly sensitive cases, protecting you legally and financially.

Respond effectively to complex technical challenges

HMRC’s focus on aggressive tax planning means even historic arrangements can face scrutiny. We help you manage:

• Disputes over marketed schemes or legacy tax planning;
• Reviews of GAAR and DOTAS implications;
• Settlement strategy and risk assessment.

Our experience ensures these enquiries are managed with full visibility and commercial awareness.

Minimise employer risk and protect your workforce strategy

PAYE and National Insurance compliance is a growing focus for HMRC. We support businesses through:

• PAYE audits and P11D or PSA reviews;
• Settlements over errors in benefit or salary reporting;
• Risk reviews linked to off-payroll working or employment status.

We work closely with our Employer Solutions team to defend your position and resolve issues efficiently.

Take control with a proactive, low-risk disclosure strategy

If you’ve identified a past error or undeclared liability, we help you disclose voluntarily and reduce penalties.

We guide you through:

• Reviewing the tax issue and calculating liabilities;
• Preparing and submitting disclosure packages;
• Negotiating with HMRC to settle the matter.

Voluntary disclosure offers a controlled route to compliance, and our team ensures it’s handled correctly from the outset.

Challenge HMRC decisions through formal appeal channels

Where disputes can’t be resolved through negotiation, we support businesses and individuals through:

• Preparing appeal submissions and evidence;
• Representing you in hearings;
• Advising on settlement options during proceedings.

We help you make informed decisions on when to settle or escalate, and ensure your case is presented clearly and persuasively.

Reduce HMRC scrutiny through proactive risk management

Large businesses are subject to regular HMRC risk reviews. We help you prepare by:

• Reviewing governance, documentation and risk areas;
• Developing risk mitigation strategies;
• Supporting interactions with HMRC’s CRM team.

Proactive management of your tax risk profile helps reduce future investigations and builds trust with HMRC.