We are experienced tax investigation specialists and handle all types of cases from small aspect enquiries to large tax fraud cases in both direct and indirect tax (VAT). HMRC Tax investigations often come as an unpleasant shock for many and can be very stressful. We offer a non-judgmental approach to defending our clients and aim to resolve the investigation in the most efficient manner possible without compromising the quality of our work.

Engagement with HMRC is rarely straightforward, particularly when matters become contentious. Effective management of tax disputes and investigations requires specialist expertise, in particular a thorough understanding of the legal process and HMRC’s powers, practical insights into how HMRC fight and settle tax cases, as well as detailed knowledge of the UK tax legislation.

An investigation may be triggered when HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) pick up something they see as unusual on a tax return. In fact, you don’t need to have done anything wrong to be selected for an investigation, if HMRC finds anything unusual, you may well be at risk.

Local newspapers, the internet, adverts, bank returns, national statistics, and enquiries into other businesses, can all be the triggering factors for an investigation. Being investigated by HMRC can be a distressing and expensive experience that can be very disruptive and intrusive, not to mention prolonged. Investigations frequently go on for a year or more, however with Akram & Co. services, you can forget all your worries and leave them on to us.

Our team of Chartered Tax Advisers, provide specialist advice to guide clients through what can be a complex and stressful process. We specialise in handling tax disputes and investigations for all our clients, including private individuals, family businesses, trustees, entrepreneurs and corporate, both small and large. We have experience of advising on disputes relating to the most complex areas of personal and corporate taxation.

We advise on all aspects of the disputes process, including taxpayers’ rights, HMRC’s powers, public law aspects including judicial review, tax-related penalties, and the procedure for the specialist tax tribunals.  We also provide preventative advice, assessing tax risk in relation to proposed arrangements and giving guidance on mitigating it.

We always seek to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and adapt our strategy to the specific needs of each case. We look to achieve a negotiated settlement where possible, drawing on our understanding of HMRC’s strategies and policy considerations. This typically requires a creative approach to find a solution mutually acceptable to both the taxpayer and HMRC. However, where necessary, we are fully prepared to take cases to litigation. We have experience of doing so at all levels, from the specialist tax tribunals through to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

If you’ve been advised HMRC are investigating your affairs it is essential, you receive good advice from the outset. How you interact with HMRC is crucial to the response you receive.

Akram & Co. has a very high success rate in resolving tax matters. Some areas where we can assist clients with are –

• HMRC Compliance Checks (Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, CGT, Payroll Taxes, IR35)
• Code of Practice 8
• Code of Practice 9
• Voluntary Disclosures to HMRC
• Negotiated Settlements with HMRC

We’ve helped many clients navigate complex situations and negotiate the best outcome with HMRC. In some cases, we’ve helped reduce penalties and in others supported a particular tax perspective – by presenting technical tax reasoning.