Tax Disputes and Investigations

Protecting individuals and businesses from HMRC enquiry stress and risk.

Whether it's an unexpected nudge letter about an offshore account or a full-scale investigation into your business's tax affairs, our team is here for you.

We understand that mistakes happen and will act as your robust defence, working to minimise your financial exposure and make the process as straightforward as possible.

Meet the team

Barbara Bento

Partner

Tax Disputes and Investigations

Mark Taylor

Partner and Team Leader

Tax Disputes and Investigations, Troncmaster Services

buzzacott-teams-tax-disputes-and-investigations

Delivering deep technical tax knowledge and extensive HMRC investigation experience.

Our experts have vast experience dealing with all levels of HMRC scrutiny, from routine compliance checks to the most serious investigations. We understand the inner workings of HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS), including complex Code of Practice 8 (CoP8) and Code of Practice 9 (CoP9) fraud investigations.

We use this knowledge to anticipate HMRC's moves and expertly guide our clients to a successful resolution. Beyond our robust defence work, we offer proactive health checks to review your tax affairs and identify any risks before they escalate. This helps you stay compliant, avoid future disputes and move forwards with peace of mind.

Our services

HMRC Code of Practice 9

Specialist support for the most serious HMRC tax fraud investigations under the Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF).

HMRC Code of Practice 8

Expert guidance for serious civil investigations where HMRC suspects complex tax avoidance arrangements.

Tax Investigations

Robust defence and advice if you are being investigated for tax fraud or evasion.

Serious civil investigations

Navigating complex tax disputes with HMRC’s elite Fraud Investigation Service (FIS).

Tax enquiries

Expert assistance for all types of HMRC compliance checks and routine tax enquiries.

HMRC VAT investigations

Specialist support for VAT compliance checks and investigations to minimise liabilities and penalties.

Voluntary disclosures

Proactively correct tax errors to avoid HMRC investigations and reduce penalties.

Worldwide Disclosure Facility

Expert guidance for those with undisclosed offshore income and assets to get their tax affairs in order.

Let Property Campaign

Guidance for landlords with undeclared rental income to resolve their tax position with HMRC.

Digital Disclosure Service

A straightforward process to disclose undeclared UK income and resolve any inaccuracies.

Mediation

Resolving tax disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to avoid lengthy litigation.

Tax avoidance reviews

Reviews to help you understand your tax arrangements and manage risks effectively.

Employment compliance

Reviews of employment status, National Minimum Wage compliance, and expenses to ensure you are meeting your obligations.

Offshore assets

Advising on tax investigations related to foreign income, gains, and complex offshore structures.

Tax tribunal litigation

Representation and advice for appeals at the Tax Tribunal and in judicial review proceedings.

HMRC penalty mitigation

Working to reduce or suspend HMRC penalties, saving you from significant financial exposure.

Personal liability notices

Advising company directors on challenging notices that make them personally liable for tax debts.

Why work with us?

We provide a bespoke service focused on protecting your financial position and your peace of mind.

Financial protection

We work to minimise your tax, interest, and penalties, protecting your assets and business.

Expert guidance

We are recognised experts, offering robust representation and a clear strategy to resolve your issue.

Efficiency

We expedite the conclusion of your enquiry, saving you time, stress, and disruption.

Peace of mind

With us by your side, you can deal with HMRC confidently and focus on what matters most.

Hear from our clients

Barbara and her team reduced a client's customs duty liability from nearly £4m to £1.7m. Her invaluable, no-nonsense approach and negotiation with HMRC resulted in a fair and just outcome. They were highly professional and easy to work with.

David Miller, The Customs People

From the moment Mark, Barbara and their team were on board, everything changed. The pressure I was under seemed to lift. I will never forget how they treated me with personal kindness; even taking calls from me out of office hours whenever I was feeling worried. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Anonymous client, about Mark Taylor and Barbara Bento

I’ve worked with Mark on a number of tax related issues concerning my clients over the years. Not only is Mark a team player, his intimate knowledge of the inner workings of HMRC and his ability to anticipate issues in advance gives my clients a valuable edge. He is my first port of call when HMRC related issues arise.

Jason Mansell, Barrister, QEB Hollis Whiteman

We’ve used Mark in the past on a complex investigation matter. Being based in Birmingham, we were hesitant using a London firm, however, he was superb. He and his team got a £135k liability reduced down to £3k through their unique knowledge and understanding of HMRC.

Marco De Vincentis, Accountant

The team at Buzzacott filled me with confidence with their extensive knowledge and experience, which was of great comfort to me at a very challenging time. They helped me work towards a solution in a proactive manner and I felt their honest approach in dealing with the enquiry was excellent. I would happily recommend Mark, Barbara, and their team to any of my contacts.

Anonymous client

They were very professional and took the time to understand and assess my position fully and fairly. They took away the stress of dealing with what could have been a very unpleasant situation. The work they did finally resulted in a positive outcome. I can’t praise their professionalism high enough.

Anonymous client

That's the best news from this year! We highly appreciate you and your team's hard work on it [the compliance check]. Your efforts not only contributed to completing the compliance check, but also in saving the business. Words can't express our heartfelt thanks. Thank you once again for your invaluable support.

Anonymous client

Contact us

We're here to help - whether you have a question, need advice, or want to tell us about your requirements.

Popular

Tax Disputes and Investigations

Protecting individuals and businesses from HMRC enquiry stress and risk.

Delivering deep technical tax knowledge and extensive HMRC investigation experience.

Our services

Why work with us?

Financial protection

Expert guidance

Efficiency

Peace of mind

Hear from our clients

Contact us

Get in touch

+44 (0)20 8038 7378

taxinvestigations@buzzacott.co.uk

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