Tax Appeals & Tax Fraud Barristers in London

Our tax barristers have been instructed in some of the most complex fraud and excise trials before First-tier Tribunal. Our specialist tax barristers are on hand to provide advice and representation in the full range of direct and indirect tax appeals.

187 Chambers has separate practice teams acting for HMRC and tax payers.

Our specialist teams of barristers work on:

Appeals before the First-tier Tax Tribunal, Upper Tribunals and the Court of Appeal.
Judicial Reviews in the High Court and Freezing Injunctions.
Investigations into tax affairs.
MITC and alcohol fraud.
Tax irregularities by HMRC, companies, individuals and their advisors.
Advisory work for HMRC

Why choose 187 Chambers?

Our barristers are some of the most experienced and specialised in the country when it comes to dealing with VAT and excise fraud.
We are expert cross-examiners, capable of handling contentious, complex and document- heavy cases.
Our barristers are adept litigators skilled at working with teams of solicitors, tax advisors, accountants and experts.
We provide not only legal advice but, strategic guidance and robust advocacy services.
We know what cost-effective and rigorous methods are needed to ensure that fraud allegations are fully scrutinised and challenged wherever feasible.

Examples of our Tax Appeals Cases Include:

Film Schemes and Tax Avoidance Litigation – instructed by HMRC to advise on major civil litigation.
Edgeskill v HMRC – a £15 million appeal by a trader. Our client instructed Andrew Trollope KC
MITC Fraud Trials and Appeals – Andrew Trollope KC represents traders accused of fraud in First-tier and Upper Tribunals.
CCA Distribution Limited v HMRC [2019]; [2017] EWCA Civ 1899. – Christopher Kerr and Ben Hayhurst Instructed
Vale Europe v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 662 (TC) – Christopher Kerr Instructed
Synectiv v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 92 (TC); [2013] UKFTT 677 (TC) – Christopher Kerr Instructed
SIANA LTD V HMRC Andrew Trollope KC represented importer in appeals to First Tier and Upper Tribunal against duty on importations.
MEGANTIC SERVICES LTD V HMRC Andrew Trollope KC successfully represented broker in appeal to First Tier Tribunal in £10m input tax claim.
GSM EXPORT LTD AND SPRINT CELLULAR LTD V HMRC Andrew Trollope KC represented trader in VAT appeals to First-tier and Upper Tribunal claiming recovery of £5m input tax.
FAIRFORD GROUP PLC V HMRC Andrew Trollope KC represented trader in VAT appeals to FTTT claiming recovery on input tax

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I believe my tax has been incorrectly assessed?: HMRC are under a duty to collect taxes. At times they may incorrectly assess amounts of tax due. They may incorrectly apply statutes or overlook case law.
Are there time limits for tax appeals?: The time limit to appeal is 30 days. In the event you are unable to meet the 30-day time limit, there is a statutory provision for a later notice of appeal to be given with the consent of the Tribunal. Our barristers will provide further advice on this issue.
What happens when a tax appeal is made?: Tax appeals are usually heard initially by the Tax Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal.

An appeal is notified to the Tribunal by sending notice of appeal to them and the notice must contain the name and address of the taxpayer, their representative and an address for documents to be sent to. The notice must also provide the details of the decision being appealed, the result being sought and the grounds for the appeal. Our barristers will be able to assist with the drafting of the appeal notice and the grounds for appeal.