--- title: "HMRC Tax Dispute Lawyers" url: https://taxdisputes.co.uk/ date: 2011-06-08 modified: 2026-06-29 lang: en author: "Tax Dispute Solicitors" description: "Facing a tax dispute with HMRC? Our specialist team of ex-HMRC tax barristers and solicitors have decades of experience in helping clients reach the best possible outcome. We understand how..." word_count: 1260 --- # HMRC Tax Dispute Lawyers *Facing a tax dispute with HMRC?* Our specialist team of [ex-HMRC](https://lexlaw.co.uk/hmrc-tax-dispute-lawyers/) [tax barristers and solicitors](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/expert-advice/) have decades of experience in helping clients reach the best possible outcome. We understand how to deal with HMRC, and we know how to manage investigations, negotiate settlements, and defend your position using proven legal strategies. Whether you are an individual or a business, getting confidential legal advice from qualified lawyers - not from accountants - can make all the difference in protecting your finances and reputation. HMRC often contact your accountant first and you may naturally think the accountant is the right person to deal with HMRC but they are not. Accountants have no duty of confidentiality and their experience lies in producing accounts not in resolving legal tax disputes. **ACCOUNTANTS = NO LEGAL CONFIDENTIALITY! ** Many taxpayers don’t realise that **accountants are *not* legally required to keep your information confidential**. Accountants can - and often do - disclose sensitive information to HMRC. Accountants are also not resolution specialists and can severely damage your position in a tax dispute. On the other hand,** [solicitors and barristers](https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/gdpr/lpp-and-client-confidentiality)**[ **have a legal *duty* to protect the confidentiality** **of your case**](https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/gdpr/lpp-and-client-confidentiality). Our [team of former HMRC solicitors and barristers](https://lexlaw.co.uk/practice-areas/taxation-solicitors-london/) are experts in protecting your rights and resolving tax problems. We know exactly how to manage your case, control what is disclosed, and negotiate effectively with HMRC. If needed, we can also appeal to tax tribunals or courts and explore mediation to achieve the best possible result. ## Resolving HMRC Tax Penalties & Investigations A tax dispute arises when you and [HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs)) disagree about how tax laws apply to your situation; whether that’s your income, deductions, credits, or an alleged underpayment. These disputes can start during tax returns, audits, or after HMRC issues an assessment or penalty. When that happens, it’s vital to have experienced legal representation. Our solicitor and barrister team regularly deal with HMRC to resolve issues, reduce penalties, and protect clients’ interests; often fixing mistakes made or worsened by accountants. ## We are ex-HMRC / Big 4 Tax Litigators Our [leading UK tax counsel](https://lexlaw.co.uk/hmrc-tax-dispute-lawyers/) served as a HMRC in-house tax barrister and as Head of Indirect Tax Litigation at Deloitte and National Tax Litigation Director at PWC. Our Senior Partner has worked at KMPG, Goldman Sachs and ING Barings and is dual-qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor-Advocate. Our Senior Solicitor-Advocate has a first class law degree and conducted one of the UK's longest running tax appeals which has lasted for over 7 years. These are our skilled tax lawyers who will be available to you at the outset in your first advice conference. #### Taxpayers 39.1mTotal No. of taxpayers in the UK (2026) #### Appeals 27,000Outstanding Tribunal Appeals (03/26) #### Success 60%Tax appeals settled w/o hearing (2014) #### Resolved 16,400+Tax appeals disposed or resolved (2026) *(Source: [HM Revenue & Customs](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs) and the [Ministry of Justice](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice) Statistics)* We have decades of experience in negotiating with [HMRC](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs) and [managing appeals](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-tax-appeals-solicitors-london/) against their decisions at all levels. Members of the team include qualified [Tax Solicitors](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/tax-solicitors/) and [Tax Barristers](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/tax-barristers/) whom have vast experience of tax laws and first hand commercial, litigation and advocacy experience including previously working at HMRC as senior Tax Counsel and managing Tax Tribunal appeals and defending tax related CPS prosecutions. ## Our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Client feedback: - ## 4 Year HMRC Battle Resolved > "Many thanks to the Tax Team who helped me navigate out of a four year battle with HMRC. Living abroad was a barrier in dealing with HMRC and it was immensely frustrating before I found LexLaw. Great communication, very knowledgeable, upfront in regards to cost and worth every penny in my opinion. Particular thanks as across everything at all times and highly professional."![umbrella company tax disputes HMRC lawyers](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vat-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836496150-150x150.png)Jo SkirrowExpat - ## Delighted with the outcome > "So pleased to have been recommended LEXLAW and without doubt the best decision I made. > > They were very professional and swift making me feel they had everything under control. > > Of course, everything was resolved and am delighted with the outcome."![uk tax solicitors litigation hmrc](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/uk-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836297294-150x150.png)RemusPrivate Individual - ## I cant thank them enough! > "Honest and simple talking solicitors that get the job done without ripping you off. > > Very straight talking form the outset and a breath of fresh air. > > They have really helped me on more than one occasion and I cant thank them enough and highly recommend them."![uk tax solicitors litigation hmrc](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/uk-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836297294-150x150.png)Fraser EvansPrivate Individual - ## Done exactly what they've promised > "Very professional, most experienced solicitors I have ever met. > > Solicitor’s promise a lot and do little but LexLaw team were different they did my work in a very professional and excellent way. > > They have done exactly what they've promised when we first met."![uk tax solicitors litigation hmrc](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/uk-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836297294-150x150.png)Ameer UddinPrivate Individual - ## Did more in 3 weeks than previous solicitor did in 7 years > "Very pleasant and friendly people my case was a long difficult ongoing problem. Lexlaw was like a breath of fresh air very professional they have done more in 3 weeks then my previous solicitor did in 7 years. I am so happy that anyone who needs help with legal matters I can only recommend Lexlaw."![uk tax solicitors litigation hmrc](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/uk-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836297294-150x150.png)James NicolaouPrivate Individual - ## Think outside the box to achieve the best results > "Very committed" > > "Resourceful legal representation" > > "This team have the nous to think outside of the box, to achieve the best results for their clients."![hmrc security notice lawyers uk](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/security-notice-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836429740-150x115.png)[Tracy Standish](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114206082015274057337?hl=en-US&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiOqdPJ67P-AhXUiP0HHdJlAE4QvvQBegQIARAv)CEO Bowlplex --- ## Instruct our Professional UK Tax Lawyers *Our dual-qualified Solicitor & Barrister team assess your case at the outset. We will quickly determine the merits and prospects of your tax dispute and then also advise you on how to obtain an optimal outcome.* ![CITY LAWYERS](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Middle-Temple-Badge-Logo-Lexlaw-Solicitors-Barristers-London.jpeg) ##### CITY LAWYERS Qualified tax solicitors & tax barristers with litigation and HMRC expertise. We are the only solicitors' firm in England to operate from professional chambers in Middle Temple, London. [About](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/expert-advice/)![HMRC EXPERTS](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/HMRC-Logo-Tax-Disputes-Litigation-Appeals-Tribunal-Lawyers-Solicitors-Barristers-UK-London.jpg) ##### HMRC EXPERTS Our ex-HMRC tax barristers can advise on tax matters such as appeals, penalties, investigations, Tax Tribunal appeals, VAT evasion, MTIC fraud, COP 8 or 9, seized goods, disguised remuneration. [Appeals](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-tax-appeals-solicitors-london/)![CONFIDENTIAL](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LawSociety_Use_Professional_Solicitor_LEXLAW_London.png) ##### CONFIDENTIAL Our Tax Litigators provide legally privileged & confidential advice (unlike accountants and other non-legal tax advisers). Our expert tax lawyers are regulated by the [SRA ](https://www.sra.org.uk/home/home.page)and [BSB](https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/). [SRA](https://www.sra.org.uk/home/home.page) --- ## Our Areas of Expertise vs HMRC: *We regularly take on HMRC tax cases in these areas:* ### HMRC TAX APPEALS Expertise in dealing with: [Penalty appeals: Self Assessment penalties; PAYE/NI; late payment penalties; late VAT returns; late returns; corporation tax penalties](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-tax-appeals-solicitors-london/); [HMRC Internal Reviews](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-internal-review-appeals-solicitors-london/); [Notice of appeal to HMRC](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-appeal-lawyers-london/) [HMRC Tax Appeals](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-tax-appeals-solicitors-london/) ### TAX TRIBUNAL REPRESENTATION [FTT, UTT & Court advocacy;](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/first-tier-tax-tribunal-solicitors-london/) indirect tax appeals representation (Income tax/VAT/excise duty/CGT/Corporation tax); [First Tier Tribunal; Upper Tier Tribunal](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/first-tier-tax-tribunal-solicitors-london/); [Out of Time Appeals ](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/late-hmrc-tax-appeals/) [Tribunal Advocacy](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/first-tier-tax-tribunal-solicitors-london/) ### TAX EVASION & HMRC INVESTIGATIONS [COP 8](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/tax-avoidance-cop-8-investigations-solicitors-london/),[ 9 & 11 investigations; section 144 enquiries](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/tax-evasion-hmrc-code-practice-9-investigations/); [tax avoidance schemes advice: EBTs, SDLT avoidance, IHT schemes; voluntary disclosure; offshore tax evasion](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/offshore-tax-evasion-tax-avoidance-solicitors-london/); disguised renumeration [Tax Evasion Defence](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-tax-investigations-solicitors-london/) ### TAX FRAUD ADVICE [Expert advice on MTIC (carousel) fraud](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/missing-trader-fraud-vat-evasion-solicitors-london/); [VAT Repayment fraud](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/repayment-fraud/); [excise diversion fraud](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/outward-excise-diversion-fraud/); [duty evasion](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-duty-evasion-fraud/); [Phoenix companies](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/hmrc-duty-evasion-fraud/); [oils duty fraud](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/oils-fraud-road-fuel-fraud/); [seized goods by HMRC/UKBA](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/goods-seized-by-hmrc-consignment-import-jewellery-seizure-cigarettes-tobacco/); [smuggling](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/smuggling/); [MARD](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/mutual-assistance-recovery-directive-recovery-of-foreign-taxes-by-hmrc-mard/) [Tax Fraud Defence](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/missing-trader-fraud-vat-evasion-solicitors-london/) --- ## Want elite advice from ex-HMRC Tax Counsel? *Want to challenge a HMRC tax penalty or fine? HMRC investigation? VAT issues? Problems with a disguised remuneration scheme or tax evasion? Need representation at the First Tier Tax Tribunal? * We are a [specialist](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/expert-advice/) leading City of London tax law firm based in [Middle Temple](https://www.middletemple.org.uk/) (Barristers' Inns of Court) adjacent to the Royal Courts of Justice. Our [expert tax solicitors and barristers](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/) have years of [experience](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/success/) in of working with and negotiating with [HMRC](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs) and managing appeals against their decisions at all levels. Members of the team include qualified [Tax Solicitors](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/tax-solicitors/) and [Tax Barristers](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/tax-barristers/) whom have vast experience of tax laws and first hand commercial, litigation and advocacy experience previously working in-house for multinational accountancy firms and as senior counsel at HMRC itself. Our [experienced](https://bankruptcypetitionandannulmentlaw.co.uk/) lawyers regularly carry out work in many tax disputes areas,  from advising clients on whether HMRC have followed the correct procedures to successfully challenging HMRC's policies. We have specialist knowledge in HMRC internal processes as well as ensuring that we are able to successfully challenge HMRC decisions in the Tax Tribunals. We have a team of established tax and duties specialist lawyers with a [proven track record](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/success/) of delivering authoritative solutions for our high net worth individual and corporate clients. [LEGAL CASE ASSESSMENT FORM](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/legal-case-assessment/) *Please note **we do not undertake legal aid work** and are normally only instructed on HMRC tax disputes that are of a substantial value (this is because legal costs are rarely recoverable in Tax Tribunal cases). Please see our [costs page](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/funding/) for more information.* --- ## Don't risk using an accountant against HMRC... It is important to note that all client communications to **accountants **are ***not ***legally privileged and are easy for [HMRC](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs) to obtain; however, ***[communications to lawyers are legally privileged](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_professional_privilege)*** and highly confidential. Therefore it is beneficial to the [success](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/success/) of many of our clients' cases that we be instructed to instruct an experienced forensic accountant on your behalf. Although you may have instructed an accountant in relation to your accounts and tax matters for yourself or your business, in most cases your accountant should realistically only assist you in tax compliance matters whereas we specialise in assisting you in relation to any investigations that HMRC have brought against you. We regularly work with accountants to ensure that collectively we are able to obtain the best possible resolution to your matter. ## Our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Client feedback: - ## 4 Year HMRC Battle Resolved > "Many thanks to the Tax Team who helped me navigate out of a four year battle with HMRC. Living abroad was a barrier in dealing with HMRC and it was immensely frustrating before I found LexLaw. Great communication, very knowledgeable, upfront in regards to cost and worth every penny in my opinion. Particular thanks as across everything at all times and highly professional."![umbrella company tax disputes HMRC lawyers](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vat-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836496150-150x150.png)Jo SkirrowExpat - ## Delighted with the outcome > "So pleased to have been recommended LEXLAW and without doubt the best decision I made. > > They were very professional and swift making me feel they had everything under control. > > Of course, everything was resolved and am delighted with the outcome."![uk tax solicitors litigation hmrc](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/uk-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836297294-150x150.png)RemusPrivate Individual - ## I cant thank them enough! > "Honest and simple talking solicitors that get the job done without ripping you off. > > Very straight talking form the outset and a breath of fresh air. > > They have really helped me on more than one occasion and I cant thank them enough and highly recommend them."![uk tax solicitors litigation hmrc](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/uk-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836297294-150x150.png)Fraser EvansPrivate Individual - ## Done exactly what they've promised > "Very professional, most experienced solicitors I have ever met. > > Solicitor’s promise a lot and do little but LexLaw team were different they did my work in a very professional and excellent way. > > They have done exactly what they've promised when we first met."![uk tax solicitors litigation hmrc](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/uk-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836297294-150x150.png)Ameer UddinPrivate Individual - ## Did more in 3 weeks than previous solicitor did in 7 years > "Very pleasant and friendly people my case was a long difficult ongoing problem. Lexlaw was like a breath of fresh air very professional they have done more in 3 weeks then my previous solicitor did in 7 years. I am so happy that anyone who needs help with legal matters I can only recommend Lexlaw."![uk tax solicitors litigation hmrc](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/uk-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836297294-150x150.png)James NicolaouPrivate Individual - ## Think outside the box to achieve the best results > "Very committed" > > "Resourceful legal representation" > > "This team have the nous to think outside of the box, to achieve the best results for their clients."![hmrc security notice lawyers uk](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/security-notice-tax-lawyers-in-uk-london-solicitor-hmrc-barrister-tribunal-appeal-e1681836429740-150x115.png)[Tracy Standish](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114206082015274057337?hl=en-US&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiOqdPJ67P-AhXUiP0HHdJlAE4QvvQBegQIARAv)CEO Bowlplex --- ## Featured guide on HMRC Disputes & Investigations ## The Company Director's Guide on managing HMRC disputes Our specialist tax team regularly provide market leading advice to directors of companies and limited liability partnerships. Our work has featured in [KSA Group](https://www.companyrescue.co.uk/guides-knowledge/guides/worried-directors-guide-3927/)'s [Worried Directors Guide 2018](https://lexlaw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KSA-Worried-Director-Guide-2018-LEXLAW-taxdisputes-solicitors-london.pdf), including our [authoritative guide on HMRC tax disputes and investigations.](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KSA-Worried-Director-Guide-2018-LEXLAW-taxdisputes-solicitors-london-tax-disputes-hmrc-investigation.pdf) [Download](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/KSA-Worried-Director-Guide-2018-LEXLAW-taxdisputes-solicitors-london-tax-disputes-hmrc-investigation.pdf)![](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Guide-to-HMRC-tax-disputes-and-investigations-london-tax-lawyers.jpg) --- ## Latest HMRC Cases & UK Tax Litigation News *[UK Tax Litigation Legal News](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/news/) from London's leading tax solicitors & barristers:* [![Top-down photograph of stacked British banknotes and copper coins alongside an HMRC-branded document inside a folder on a dark walnut table.](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/HMRC-COSTS-300x169.jpg) ](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2026/10/can-you-recover-legal-costs-from-hmrc-if-you-win/) #### Can You Recover Legal Costs From HMRC If You Win? 16/10/2026 Winning your appeal at the First-tier Tribunal does not entitle you to your legal costs.... [Read More](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2026/10/can-you-recover-legal-costs-from-hmrc-if-you-win/) [![Received an HMRC Schedule 36 penalty? Learn the 30 day deadline, reasonable excuse grounds and how to appeal to the tribunal. Speak to ex-HMRC tax lawyers.](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Golden-Legal-Notice-with-Key-and-Chain-300x169.png) ](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2026/10/how-to-challenge-an-hmrc-schedule-36-penalty/) #### How to Challenge an HMRC Schedule 36 Penalty 15/10/2026 A Schedule 36 penalty from HMRC is not final. This guide explains the types of... [Read More](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2026/10/how-to-challenge-an-hmrc-schedule-36-penalty/) [![HMRC letter about eBay, Vinted and Airbnb income beside online marketplace parcels on a desk in London](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/HMRC-Letter-About-eBay-Vinted-or-Airbnb-Income-What-To-Do-Next-300x200.png) ](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2026/10/hmrc-letter-about-ebay-vinted-or-airbnb-income-what-to-do-next/) #### HMRC Letter About eBay, Vinted or Airbnb Income? What To Do Next 15/10/2026 Received an HMRC letter about eBay, Vinted, Etsy, Depop or Airbnb income? Discover why HMRC... [Read More](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2026/10/hmrc-letter-about-ebay-vinted-or-airbnb-income-what-to-do-next/) [![Cryptocurrency tax reporting documents and Bitcoin beside a laptop displaying crypto market data in a London office, illustrating HMRC crypto tax reporting rules.](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/hmrc-crypto-tax-featured-image-300x200.webp) ](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2026/10/hmrc-crypto-tax-assessment-your-options-explained/) #### HMRC Crypto Tax Assessment: Your Options Explained 15/10/2026 HMRC is gaining greater access to cryptoasset data under the new reporting rules. Find out... [Read More](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/2026/10/hmrc-crypto-tax-assessment-your-options-explained/) --- ### Want legal advice from Tax Solicitors on your case? Our simple enquiry form goes immediately to our tax litigators in Middle Temple, London. Call us on +442071830529 from 9am-6pm. [Check My Case Now ✔](https://taxdisputes.co.uk/legal-case-assessment/)