Skip to main content

Search results

1454 results ordered by

Thinking - Blog

Expert witnesses required to disclose professional relationship

Published on 20 May 2015. By Adam Craggs, Partner

In the recent case of EXP v Dr Charles Simon Barker [2015] EWHC 1289 (QB), the High Court has emphasized the importance of the independence of expert witnesses and of disclosing any conflicts of interests at the earliest opportunity.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal orders HMRC to pay taxpayers' costs in avoidance case

Published on 13 May 2015. By Adam Craggs, Partner

In our blog of 3 July 2014, we reported on the decision of the First-tier Tribunal ("FTT") in R, A and M Gardiner v HMRC[1].

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Court of Appeal issues guidance on the meaning of "sham" in pension scheme case

Published on 07 May 2015.

In R v Quillan and others [2015] EWCA Crim 538, a complex fraud case, the Court of Appeal, in ruling that there was no case to answer, provided some helpful comments on the requirements of "sham".

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Burden of proof for information notices on taxpayer

Published on 30 Apr 2015. By Adam Craggs, Partner

In the recent case of Joshy Mathew v HMRC [2015] UKFTT 139 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ("FTT"), considered where the burden of proof lies for establishing whether documents or information is "reasonably required", for the purposes of paragraph 1(1), Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

High Court dismisses negligence claim as taxpayer did not stand up to tax authority!

Published on 23 Apr 2015. By Adam Craggs, Partner

Law firm Baker & McKenzie LLP (the "Tax Advisers") have successfully defended a claim brought against them for losses arising out of negligent tax advice.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Taxpayer succeeds in his application for judicial review of HMRC's decision not to return overpaid income tax

Published on 16 Apr 2015.

In R (on the application of Andrew Michael Higgs) v HMRC [2015] UKUT 0092 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal ("UT"), exercising its jurisdiction to consider judicial review proceedings, has granted relief in favour of a taxpayer in a dispute in which HMRC refused to repay overpaid income tax.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Upper Tribunal imposes penalty in excess of £1 million on QC for failure to comply with information notices

Published on 08 Apr 2015. By Adam Craggs, Partner

In HMRC v Romie Tager [2015] UKUT 0040 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (Judge Colin Bishopp) ("UT"), has considered tax related penalties under paragraph 50, Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008, for failure to comply with an information notice.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Success for successor company in tax appeal

Published on 02 Apr 2015.

In Leekes Limited v HMRC [2015] UKFTT 0093 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ("FTT") has held that a taxpayer that succeeded to a trade was entitled to set carried-forward pre-succession losses ...

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Avoidance scheme effective despite HMRC's attempt to rely on Ramsay

Published on 25 Mar 2015. By Adam Craggs, Partner

In Gemsupa Limited and Consolidated Property Wilmslow Limited v HMRC [2015] UKFTT 0097 (TC) ...

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal confirms no penalty for implementing tax avoidance scheme

Published on 18 Mar 2015.

In the recent case of Herefordshire Property Company Ltd v HMRC1, the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ("FTT") allowed the taxpayer's appeal ...

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal finds in favour of property developer who was not trading

Published on 11 Mar 2015.

In Terrace Hill (Berkeley) Ltd v HMRC[1], the First-tier Tribunal ("the FTT") rejected HMRC's arguments and concluded that a property developer's activity in relation to the development of an office property was an investment rather than a trading activity and allowed its appeal.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tax avoidance scheme succeeds before the Upper Tribunal

Published on 04 Mar 2015.

In Tower Radio Limited and another v HMRC[1], the taxpayers successfully utilised a scheme which was designed to take advantage of Part 7 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (ITEPA).

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Taxpayer successfully relies on human rights argument to defeat HMRC following the taxation of the same profits twice

Published on 27 Feb 2015.

The appellant, in Ignatius v HMRC[1], has successfully fought off an attempt by HMRC to strike out his appeal, by relying on the European Convention on Human Rights ("ECHR").

Read more
Thinking - Blog

High Court criticises HMRC's conduct and compels it to honour its undertakings

Published on 19 Feb 2015.

The published judgment in Abbey Forwarding[1] will not make for comfortable reading for HMRC.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

"Horse play" – Tribunal concludes that racehorse ownership was a gamble and not a trade and rejects the taxpayer's loss relief claim

Published on 13 Feb 2015.

In recent years, there has been a seemingly unending string of cases relating to whether certain activities constitute trading.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Out of court settlement may lead to adjustment in CGT liability

Published on 05 Feb 2015.

The Court of Session has found in favour of the taxpayer in Sir Fraser Morrison v HMRC[1] ...

Read more
Thinking - Blog

FTT decision pays dividends for Mr and Mrs Jones

Published on 29 Jan 2015.

In Richard Jones, Julie Jones v HMRC[1], the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (FTT) has decided that the owners of an insolvent recruitment consultancy do not have to pay employment taxes in respect of dividends paid to them which they subsequently reclassified as salary.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

CJEU confirms UK failed to comply with EU law by retroactively curtailing rights of taxpayers to recover tax unlawfully paid

Published on 22 Jan 2015.

The European Commission has succeeded in obtaining a declaration from the CJEU that the UK Government failed to comply with its obligations, under Article 4(3) of the TEU, by retroactively curtailing the right of taxpayers to recover tax levied contrary to European law.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

HMRC Dishonesty Allegation "seriously flawed"

Published on 14 Jan 2015.

The First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ("FTT") has ruled, in Citibank NA v Revenue and Customs Commissioners[1], that HMRC's pleadings were "seriously flawed".

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal sets aside witness summonses due to misrepresentation and failure in duty to make full and frank disclosure to the Tribunal

Published on 08 Jan 2015.

An interesting decision has recently been issued by the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') in connection with an application to set aside the issue of witness summonses which had been issued to two individuals who were resident in Jersey[1].

Read more
Thinking - Blog

2014 – The year that was

Published on 16 Dec 2014.

Seasonal greetings to all of our readers! 2014 has been another busy year for the RPC Tax Take team.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal adopts a literal interpretation of the provisions in allowing the taxpayer's appeal

Published on 11 Dec 2014.

In Philip Shirley v HMRC, [1] the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (FTT) concluded that a provision in a statute rewritten as part of the Tax Law Rewrite Project should be literally interpreted as the wording in question was clear and unambiguous.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

HMRC's information notice was too vague

Published on 04 Dec 2014.

This case saw the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (FTT) uphold the appeal of the taxpayer against penalties imposed by HMRC for non-compliance with an information notice issued by HMRC pursuant to paragraph 1, Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008 (the Information Notice).

Read more
Thinking - Blog

HMRC mislead appellants into believing they have a remedy in the Tribunal in contractual settlement dispute

Published on 28 Nov 2014.

In Morris and another v HMRC,[1] the First-tier Tribunal (“the FTT”) has confirmed that it does not have jurisdiction to determine a dispute relating to the correct valuation of assets which were the subject of a contractual settlement with HMRC.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

HMRC'S APPLICATION FOR SECURITY FOR COSTS REFUSED

Published on 19 Nov 2014.

HMRC'S APPLICATION FOR SECURITY FOR COSTS REFUSED - GSM EXPORT (UK) LTD (IN ADMINISTRATION) AND ANOTHER v HMRC[1]

Read more
Thinking - Blog

HMRC's application for security for costs refused

Published on 19 Nov 2014.

HMRC'S APPLICATION FOR SECURITY FOR COSTS REFUSED - GSM EXPORT (UK) LTD (IN ADMINISTRATION) AND ANOTHER v HMRC[1]

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Applicants for search warrants must make full and frank disclosure to the court

Published on 14 Nov 2014. By Adam Craggs, Partner

The following is taken from an article by Adam Craggs, originally published in Tax Journal on 31 October 2014.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal orders HMRC to pay taxpayer's costs – Ian Elder v HMRC

Published on 07 Nov 2014.

The decision of the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') in Ian Elder v Commissioners for HMRC[1] offers a useful summary of the FTT's approach on the assignment of appeals to the Complex category ...

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal orders HMRC to pay taxpayer's costs – Ian Elder v HMRC

Published on 07 Nov 2014.

The decision of the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') in Ian Elder v Commissioners for HMRC[1] offers a useful summary of the FTT's approach on the assignment of appeals to the Complex category, applications to bar a party from participating in proceeding and costs sanctions.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tax Tribunal confirms the time period in which HMRC must open an enquiry

Published on 30 Oct 2014.

As readers will be aware, HMRC generally has twelve months from the date a company files a return to open an enquiry[1].

Read more
Thinking - Blog

FTT prevents HMRC from having two bites of the cherry!

Published on 22 Oct 2014. By Dan Wyatt, Partner

In Lady Henrietta Pearson v HMRC [2014] UKFTT 890 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') concluded that HMRC had "ignored" its previous decision by seeking to reduce the amount of a VAT refund which it had ordered HMRC make to Lady Henrietta Pearson ('the taxpayer').

Read more
Thinking - Blog

GMAC's strategy for limiting VAT payments proved lawful in ECJ

Published on 16 Oct 2014.

The following is taken from an article by Robert Waterson and Nigel Brook, originally published in International Tax Review (12 September 2014).

Read more
Thinking - Blog

HMRC lose employment status case

Published on 09 Oct 2014.

In the recent case of EMS (Independent Accident Management Services) Limited v HMRC [2014] UKFTT 891 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ("FTT"), found in favour of the taxpayer on the question of whether or not an employment relationship existed.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal allows taxpayer to make a late appeal and rejects HMRC's overly formalistic approach

Published on 01 Oct 2014.

In Chirag Patel v HMRC[1] the First-tier Tribunal ('FTT') decided that a letter from the taxpayer's accountant constituted a late appeal against a discovery assessment, despite it not being expressed as such.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Claim for entrepreneurs' relief succeeds: Tribunal finds that the removal from the payroll did not end taxpayer's employment

Published on 17 Sep 2014.

The First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (FTT) has decided in Corbett v HMRC[1] that removing a taxpayer from a company's payroll before a sale of that company did not end her employment for the purposes of claiming entrepreneur's relief.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal rejects Ramsay argument and allows taxpayer's appeal in corporate bond case

Published on 12 Sep 2014.

In Hancock & Hancock v HMRC[1] the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has upheld the taxpayer's appeal against HMRC's decision ...

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal bars HMRC from taking further part in appeal

Published on 04 Sep 2014.

In BPP University College of Professional Studies v HMRC[1]the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (FTT) found that HMRC had failed to comply with an 'unless' order under Rule 8(3) of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 2009 (the Rules).

Read more
Thinking - Blog

First-tier Tribunal holds that there is no taxable supply where there is no obligation on a subsidiary company which was receiving subsidiary services from the Group parent

Published on 27 Aug 2014.

In Norseman Gold plc v HMRC[1] the First-tier Tribunal (Judge Colin Bishopp) ("FTT") dismissed an appeal by Norseman Gold plc ("Norseman") ...

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Toasted sandwiches are standard-rated “hot food” for VAT purposes

Published on 21 Aug 2014.

In Sub One Ltd (t/a Subway) v HMRC[1] the Court of Appeal has upheld the decisions of both the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) and the Upper Tribunal (UT) that toasted sandwiches and "meatball marinara" are "hot food" and therefore, for VAT purposes, amount to standard-rated supplies. This decision has implications for a number of fast food outlets.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Treading uneven boards: VAT claims and setoff – Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Ltd v HMRC [2014] EWCA Civ 684

Published on 14 Aug 2014.

The Court of Appeal's decision in this case is likely to create a great deal of uncertainty for taxpayers seeking to recover unlawfully levied VAT from HMRC.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Trading "with a view to the making of a profit" - an objective or subjective test?

Published on 06 Aug 2014. By Dan Wyatt, Partner

In Beacon Estates (Chepstow) Ltd v HMRC [2014] UKFTT 686 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') allowed the taxpayer's appeal, holding that 'with a view to' in section 393A(3), Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 ('ICTA')[1] imports an objective test when considering relief for trading losses.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

The Rangers Case and EBTs

Published on 31 Jul 2014. By Adam Craggs, Partner

The following was taken from a longer article by Robert Waterson and Adam Craggs originally published in Tax Journal (25 July 2014, pp16-17, www.taxjournal.com).

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Reasonable excuse

Published on 24 Jul 2014.

In the recent case Spink v HMRC[1] the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') allowed the taxpayer's appeal against the imposition of penalties by HMRC for late payment, as it was satisfied that the taxpayer concerned had a reasonable excuse for the late payment.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

An enquiry is as an enquiry does – HMRC's narrow interpretation of what constitutes an enquiry is rejected by the Upper Tribunal

Published on 17 Jul 2014.

The recent case of Portland Gas Storage Limited v The Commissioners for HMRC [2014] UKUT 0270 (TCC), considered two important questions: what is an enquiry? and what is a decision?

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Taxpayer succeeds in loss relief claim

Published on 10 Jul 2014. By Dan Wyatt, Partner

In Hamilton & Kinneil (Archerfield) Ltd and others v HMRC [2014] UKFTT 350 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') held that a company which had not made a cash capital contribution to a limited liability partnership could nonetheless claim loss relief against its other profits in respect of losses incurred by the limited liability partnership.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

HMRC fail to demonstrate negligence in tax planning case

Published on 03 Jul 2014.

In the case of R, A and M Gardiner v HMRC[1], the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') overturned penalties imposed by HMRC on the appellant taxpayers for negligently filing their returns.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

High Court gives stamp of approval to retrospective anti-avoidance legislation

Published on 27 Jun 2014.

A challenge to the lawfulness of the retrospective effect of legislation amending section 45, Finance Act 2003 ('FA 2003'), fell at the first hurdle in a recent application for judicial review heard by Mrs Justice Andrews in R (on the application of St Matthews (West) Ltd and others) v HMRC [2014] EWHC 1848 (Admin).

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Information notices suspended by FTT to allow the taxpayers to seek judicial review

Published on 18 Jun 2014. By Dan Wyatt, Partner

In Whitefields Golf Club Ltd & Others v HMRC,[1] the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') suspended the effect of its decision in relation to information notices issued by HMRC pursuant to paragraph 1, Schedule 36, Finance Act 2008 (the 'information notices') which it had, less than two months earlier, confirmed on appeal.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Two loans better than one – FTT allows taxpayer's appeal in 'benefit in kind' case

Published on 12 Jun 2014.

In the recent decision of the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (FTT) in Elizabeth Amri v HMRC, the FTT rejected HMRC’s interpretation of the employment-related loan legislation contained in Chapter 7, Part 3, ITEPA 2003 and allowed the taxpayer’s appeal.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Tribunal's decision not to follow its previous decision highlights the difficulties with the government's 'follower notice' proposals

Published on 06 Jun 2014. By Adam Craggs, Partner

In the recent case of Ardmore Construction Limited v HMRC, the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) ('FTT') dismissed the taxpayer's appeal and chose not to follow its recent decision in Perrin v HMRC.

Read more

Stay connected and subscribe to our latest insights and views 

Subscribe Here