If you are dealing with an HMRC-related issue, specialist advice from an HMRC lawyer can be invaluable. At Altion Law, we have a team of solicitors and barristers whose sole practice is focused on assisting clients with all types of HMRC matters. As a result, we are experts in this niche area of law and deliver a level of service that is second to none.
For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990, alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.
When do you need an HMRC Lawyer?
Advice from an HMRC lawyer can assist you in a wide range of situations. Our HMRC solicitors and barristers offer a comprehensive HMRC related service, which includes assisting clients with the following matters:
- Code of Practice 9 Investigations
A Code of Practice 9 investigation is the most serious civil investigation HMRC undertakes. HMRC does not start a Code of Practice 9 investigation without good reason; if you are the subject of one, HMRC suspects you of committing tax evasion or fraud. Accordingly, timely legal advice and support is essential.
Not engaging with a Code of Practice 9 investigation or handling it incorrectly could lead to HMRC launching a criminal investigation into your tax affairs. Criminal investigations place significant pressure on a business and can have a severely detrimental impact on your business’s reputation. In some cases, criminal investigations lead to a criminal prosecution. If convicted of tax fraud following a successful prosecution, a taxpayer may face substantial fines and even a period of imprisonment.
- Tax Appeals and the Tax Tribunal
If you are unhappy with HMRC’s decision relating to your tax affairs, you may be able to challenge it. Strict deadlines apply to most tax appeals, and there are specific procedures you must follow when pursuing one. Accordingly, advice from an HMRC lawyer with the expertise and experience required to help you navigate the applicable process is essential.
- Criminal Investigations
HMRC usually uses its civil powers when pursuing unpaid tax since they are quicker and less costly than criminal ones. However, it specifically reserves its rights to deploy its criminal powers where it considers them necessary to collate the evidence required or achieve the desired outcome. It might do so in cases involving serious tax evasion, significant losses to the revenue, or where it wants to send a strong deterrent to other taxpayers.
If you are the subject of an HMRC criminal investigation, support from an HMRC lawyer is vital. Handling the matter properly and cooperating with HMRC officers during the investigation can significantly reduce the likelihood of HMRC passing the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service to pursue a criminal prosecution against you.
- HMRC Investigations
A key aspect of HMRC’s role is ensuring taxpayers are paying the right amount of tax. HMRC officers undertake hundreds of thousands of inspections each year, ranging from routine enquiries to full-scale investigations involving suspected tax fraud.
Our HMRC lawyers routinely represent our clients in all types of tax investigations. We will guide and support you through the process, liaising with the officers on your behalf and ensuring they do not exceed the remit of their powers.
- Wrongdoing Penalties
As its name suggests, a wrongdoing penalty is a penalty issued by HMRC to taxpayers they suspect of wrongdoing that has resulted in a loss to the revenue, such as VAT or excise duty losses.
HMRC usually sends a letter to the taxpayer in question informing them of its intention to issue a wrongdoing penalty. In the letter, HMRC will explain why they propose charging the wrongdoing penalty and ask if you have any comments. Seeking expert advice from an HMRC lawyer upon receipt of such a letter will ensure you respond appropriately and refrain from doing anything that might jeopardise your position.
Why choose our HMRC Lawyers?
Matters involving HMRC or Border Force can be incredibly serious, so dealing with them correctly and effectively is crucial. As soon as you receive correspondence from HMRC informing you of a potential issue, or if you believe you may have done something that might cause a problem in the future, it’s a good idea to speak to a specialist HMRC lawyer like those in our dedicated HMRC team.
Our HMRC lawyers are true experts in their field. Our decades of experience in assisting clients facing issues with HMRC have provided us with a unique insight into the inner workings of HMRC and a deep understanding of its policies and procedures. We draw on this experience to provide our valued clients with straightforward, commercial advice aimed at resolving their matter as quickly and favourably as possible.
For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990, alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.
