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Tax Appeals and Disputes
Appeal | Dispute | Tribunal
We provide specialist tax services to appeal tax decisions, resolve tax disputes with HMRC and complaints, and represent our clients in tax tribunals.
Get Professional Help With Tax Appeals & Disputes
Tax Appeal Services
Dealing with tax appeals and disputes can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to pay close attention and plan strategically. Start by talking directly with HMRC to see if you can change the tax assessment or settle the issue without going to the Tax Tribunal. If you still disagree after HMRC shares their initial decision, you have three options based on your situation: Alternative Dispute Resolution, a Statutory Review, or formal proceedings in a Tax Tribunal.
HELPING YOU WITH TAX APPEALS AND DISPUTES
Each path offers unique benefits depending on your situation and preferences. If you want to challenge a tax decision made by HMRC, you have options like Appeals and Tax Disputes. Our tax accountants will help you navigate this process and choose the best option for your needs. We understand the complexities of tax disputes and work towards a solution that fits your interests.
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The values we live by
Honesty guides everything we do. We believe in transparent advice, accurate reporting, and doing what’s right for our clients every time.
We live and breathe tax. Our expert team delivers up-to-date, accurate advice so clients stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
Every client matters. We take time to listen, understand your needs, and deliver personalised tax solutions with care and attention to detail.
OUR SERVICES
Our Practice Areas
We are a team of specialist tax advisors who are delivering expert guidance on tax compliance, international tax, HMRC investigations, business structuring, capital gains, inheritance tax, corporation tax and self assessment services.
We know personal taxes can be overwhelming. With us, your returns are accurate, on time, and tailored to your unique life.
We know running a business is hard enough. Let us handle your business taxes so you can focus on growth with confidence.
We know smart planning makes a difference. Our tax strategies help you stay compliant, save more, and plan for the future.
We know living abroad brings tax challenges. Whether in or out of the UK, we make your expat taxes smooth and stress-free
We know HMRC enquiries can be daunting. Count on us for expert support and peace of mind during your tax investigation.
We know unfair tax bills cause stress. If you disagree with HMRC, we’ll guide your tax appeal with precision and confidence.
We are leading network of qualified accountants, tax advisors and specialist business consultants in United Kingdom
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Your Questions - Our Answers
We are here to help you with any questions you may have
How can I appeal an HMRC decision?
You start by asking HMRC for a statutory review if you disagree with their decision. You write to the address on your decision letter and explain why you think it is wrong. HMRC’s Legal Group then checks whether the decision follows its own policies and laws.
If you still disagree after the review, you must notify the First-tier Tribunal. You must send your notice of appeal within 30 days of the review result. Along with your appeal, you complete the tribunal’s appeal form (Form N316) and pay any required fees.
Prepare your case by gathering correspondence, documents, and witness statements with the help of our tax appeal experts, including ex-HMRC inspectors, who can guide your argument. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with an independent mediator before heading to the tribunal.
Our tax advisor will assist you throughout the process, ensuring your appeal is valid, complete, and timely, minimizing the risk of being dismissed and maximizing your chances of success.
What deadlines apply to tax appeals?
You have strict time limits when challenging a decision from HMRC. For most taxes, you must ask for a review within 30 days of receiving the decision letter. If you miss this deadline, you cannot request a review.
After the review, you will get a letter with the outcome, giving you another 30 days to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. You start counting these days from the date of the review result. If you appeal late, the tribunal might still accept it, but it’s harder to win if you’re overdue.
For penalty appeals, you usually do not have to pay the penalty before you appeal. However, for most direct tax appeals, you can wait to pay until the tribunal makes a decision. Just make sure to mention this when you submit your appeal.
If you want to use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), you need to request it during or right after a compliance check or before the statutory review. ADR has its own deadlines, such as responding to mediator requests within 15 days.
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with HMRC?
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a way to resolve disagreements without going to a tribunal. It involves a trained, independent mediator from HMRC who has not been involved in your case before.
During ADR, you and the HMRC caseworker meet with the mediator. You talk about the points of conflict and try to find a solution together. The mediator does not decide for you but helps both sides reach an agreement.
ADR is usually faster than a formal appeal. Some disputes can be settled in weeks instead of months or years. It also tends to cost less because you skip the costs of preparing for and attending a tribunal hearing.
However, ADR is voluntary. You can only use it if HMRC offers it or if you ask for it at the right time during a compliance check. A tax investigator can enter ADR after you and HMRC do not agree during the check.
What happens at a tax tribunal hearing?
If your case isn’t resolved by ADR or review, it will go to the First-tier Tribunal. Hearings are public and informal. You, HMRC, and the tribunal judge sit around a table instead of in a courtroom.
Before the hearing, both sides share “bundles” of documents. These bundles include your appeal form, HMRC’s decision notices, and any witness statements. Your tax advisors will organize these bundles clearly.
At the hearing, you present your case first. You explain why HMRC’s decision is incorrect and refer to your evidence. The tribunal judge may ask questions. Then, HMRC will present its reasons. Finally, you can respond to their points.
After the hearing, the judge will write a decision. You may receive it on the same day, or it might take several weeks. If you win, HMRC must refund any tax paid or cancel penalties. If you lose, you have to pay the disputed tax and may face interest. You can appeal to higher tribunals, but you will need permission.
Our team includes former HMRC inspectors who understand how tribunal judges think. They help you with clear submissions and strong arguments. This expert support boosts your confidence and increases your chances of success.
Can I delay payment while my appeal is in process?
When you appeal a direct tax decision, you can usually delay paying the disputed tax until the tribunal makes a decision. When you submit your appeal, you can indicate that you want to suspend payment. HMRC cannot demand payment while your appeal is active.
In cases of PAYE investigations or VAT disputes, you typically need to pay first. If paying would cause you serious financial difficulty, you can ask HMRC for a hardship suspension. You will need to explain your cash-flow problems and provide evidence. If HMRC agrees, they will postpone payment until after your appeal. You do not need to pay penalties upfront when appealing to them. You can challenge and appeal penalties without paying them first.
How can a tax advisor support me in a tax investigation or appeal?
A skilled tax advisor helps you during a tax investigation or appeal. They start by looking at HMRC’s case and checking your records. This helps them spot weaknesses in HMRC’s arguments and strengths in yours.
During a compliance check, they keep your bookkeeping clear and ensure all documents are in order. This lowers the chance of incorrect assessments. If HMRC issues a closure notice, they quickly advise you on whether to accept it or ask for a statutory review.
If you move to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), your advisor prepares you for mediation. They help you highlight important evidence and negotiate effectively, increasing the chance of settling quickly without going to tribunal.
When you go to the First-tier Tribunal, they draft your notice of appeal, organize your documents, and coach you on how to present your case. Former HMRC inspectors on our team know what tribunal judges expect.
They also handle all communication with HMRC and the tribunal. This helps you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your appeal. After a decision, they assess the outcome and advise you on any further steps, including appeals to higher tribunals.
With a specialist by your side, you can face the process with confidence. Their expertise often leads to better outcomes, lower costs, and less stress throughout the dispute.