VAT Investigation Solicitors

VAT investigation solicitors specialise in assisting clients facing a VAT inspection. At Altion Law, we have a dedicated team of solicitors and barristers committed to helping clients navigate a VAT investigation. We understand the intricacies of HMRC’s policies and procedures and use our knowledge and experience to minimise the disruption caused to your business by a VAT investigation and secure the most lenient penalty possible in the event your VAT activities are found to be careless or fraudulent.

If you would like to have a free confidential discussion with a member of our team, please either make a Free Request For Call Back or call us directly on 01908 414990 and we will be pleased to help you.

How does a business commit VAT Fraud?

The types of behaviour that may be regarded by HMRC as amounting to VAT fraud are wide-ranging. Sometimes, a trader might agree with a customer that they will not charge VAT on a job on the basis that the customer pays for the services in cash. Such activity deprives HMRC of the VAT payable on the transaction and constitutes VAT fraud. Other instances of VAT fraud are considerably more complex and costly to the Revenue, and often involve several entities across multiple jurisdictions. An example of serious VAT fraud includes Carousel Fraud, or Missing Trader Intra Community Fraud.

If you are concerned that you may have committed VAT fraud, we can help. Our VAT fraud investigation solicitors will review the circumstances giving rise to your concerns and ascertain whether they are warranted. If it transpires that your activities are, indeed, fraudulent, we will devise a strategy that best addresses the issue. Often, voluntary disclosure to HMRC and proactively liaising with its officers regarding your VAT activities can result in a significantly reduced penalty. If such action is appropriate, we will collate all relevant information and documentation, and present your position to HMRC in the best possible light.

When will a business be investigated for VAT Fraud?

HMRC carries out thousands of VAT investigations into UK businesses each year. Nowadays, businesses are selected on the basis of risk. The factors that HMRC will take into account are varied, and include that your business operates within a sector identified as being high risk, such as those involving extensive supply chains. So, if you are chosen to undergo a VAT assessment, don’t panic – you have not necessarily done anything untoward. Of course, some factors are business specific – HMRC may have received a tip-off, for example, or your VAT records may have raised suspicion.

It is advisable to involve our VAT investigation solicitors, and all other relevant advisors, as soon as HMRC contacts you regarding a VAT inspection. We will work together to ensure you are fully prepared for the inspection and know what to expect. We will advise on how best to approach matters with HMRC’s officers and our VAT investigation solicitors can be present during the visit should you wish, helping you respond to any queries and ensuring the inspection runs as smoothly as possible.

What are the possible outcomes of a VAT Fraud Investigation?

The penalties for VAT fraud are case-specific and depend entirely on the circumstances. HMRC takes an extremely dim view of any type of VAT fraud, and the penalties that might be imposed include repayment of the sums owed, unlimited fines, imprisonment, public naming and shaming and director disqualification orders. Careful handling of the investigation, transparency and cooperation can persuade HMRC to impose a less severe sentence than they otherwise might. Our VAT fraud investigation specialists will advise on how best to approach the issue and encourage leniency.

How can our VAT Fraud Investigation Solicitors help?

VAT fraud investigations can be stressful and disruptive, and sometimes result in harsh penalties for those found to have committed VAT fraud. Having experienced VAT fraud investigation solicitors by your side can help you to effectively deal with a VAT fraud investigation and give you peace of mind that your case will be presented in the best possible way.

Our VAT fraud investigation solicitors help businesses of all sizes facing a VAT investigation. We deal with all types of VAT fraud, from inflated refunds claims to Carousel and Missing Trader Intra-Community fraud, giving concise, straightforward advice with a commercial focus. We provide assistance throughout the VAT fraud investigation process, liaising with HMRC on your behalf and ensuring its offers act within the remit of their authority. For example, if an officer seeks to review records dating back further than those to which they are legally entitled, we will challenge them. If, when the VAT investigation has been completed, HMRC believes your activities to be fraudulent, we will take whatever action is required to protect your position. This might include appealing the decision, negotiating a settlement or defending Court proceedings.