Business Details
Expert Tax Dispute Resolution & VAT Advisory Services
At Independent Tax, we bring unparalleled expertise to tax and VAT advisory services, combining decades of hands-on experience as former senior HMRC Inspectors with private practice excellence. Our team specialises in resolving complex HMRC disputes, conducting risk assessments, and delivering tailored tax planning solutions for businesses and individuals. We prioritise transparency, affordability, and client-centric support, offering fixed-fee engagements to eliminate unpredictable costs.With a national and international reach, we assist clients in navigating HMRC investigations, VAT compliance, and dispute resolution while maintaining independence from other professional firms. Our approach blends deep regulatory knowledge with practical problem-solving to protect clients' interests and achieve efficient outcomes.
Services
HMRC Disputes
VAT Planning
Tax Investigations Support
Employer Compliance Reviews
Tax Planning
Highlights and features
- We have over 150 years of combined experience as former senior HMRC Inspectors.
- Our team delivers fixed-fee engagements to ensure cost predictability.
- We operate independently, free from external professional agendas.
- We provide nationwide and international support for tax/VAT matters.
- Our client testimonials highlight our 'hands-on, no-nonsense' approach.
What people say
Professional, practical, personal approach
Highly experienced team
Affordable fixed-fee engagements
Strong client protection focus
Recommended by accounting firms
Services
HMRC Disputes
We resolve HMRC disputes for businesses and individuals, leveraging former senior inspector expertise to manage compliance checks, appeals, and tax tribunal cases. Our team specialises in challenging Schedule 36 notices, employer compliance reviews, and mitigating penalties. With over 150 years of combined experience, we deliver cost-effective resolutions while protecting client interests during investigations.
VAT Advisory
Our VAT specialists provide transactional support, partial exemption guidance, and HMRC dispute resolution for domestic and international clients. Services include VAT registration/deregistration, health checks, and training. We combine ex-HMRC inspector insights with private practice expertise to ensure compliance and optimise VAT positions for businesses across sectors.
Employer Compliance Reviews
We assist businesses facing HMRC employer compliance reviews, focusing on PAYE, national insurance, and benefits-in-kind assessments. Our team identifies procedural errors, challenges excessive scope expansions, and negotiates penalty reductions. With deep knowledge of HMRC's operational tactics, we protect clients from unwarranted back-tax claims and ensure fair treatment during audits.
Tax Planning
We deliver bespoke tax planning solutions for business growth, asset sales, succession planning, and investment schemes. Our approach combines regulatory expertise with practical problem-solving to create compliant, efficient strategies. Services include enterprise investment scheme advice, capital allowances optimisation, and inheritance tax mitigation tailored to individual and corporate client needs.
Expert Witness Work
Our experts provide forensic tax analysis and court testimony in complex disputes. Drawing on HMRC investigation experience, we prepare detailed reports on tax liabilities, compliance failures, and mitigation strategies. This service supports legal teams in commercial litigation, fraud cases, and high-value tax tribunal proceedings requiring authoritative technical analysis.
People
Colin Smith
Associate Director
Former senior HMRC inspector with 25+ years of tax investigation experience. Specialises in dispute resolution and risk management. Provides strategic oversight for complex cases.
David Pedley
Associate Director
Ex-HMRC specialist in VAT and employment tax. Leads employer compliance review cases. Expert in Schedule 36 notices and penalty negotiations.
Guy Smith
Senior Manager
18-year HMRC veteran focusing on tax tribunals and appeals. Advises on residence/domicile issues and international tax disputes.
Tarandeep Sangra
Senior Manager
Specialises in forensic tax analysis and expert witness testimony. Former HMRC investigator with expertise in fraud detection and asset tracing.
Nitheya Selvarajan
Manager
Focuses on VAT dispute resolution and transactional support. Combines HMRC experience with private practice expertise to deliver practical compliance solutions.
Questions
What HMRC dispute services do you offer?
We specialise in resolving HMRC investigations, compliance checks, and tax appeals using former senior inspector expertise to achieve efficient outcomes.
How do you handle VAT advisory services?
Our VAT specialists provide transactional support, partial exemption guidance, and HMRC dispute resolution for UK and international clients.
What tax planning solutions are available?
We offer bespoke tax planning for business restructuring, property development, succession planning, and investment schemes like EIS.
Do you support professional practices?
Yes, we collaborate with accountants and advisors, offering fee rebates for client referrals and specialist support for HMRC enquiries.
How are your fees structured?
We use fixed-fee engagements to ensure cost predictability, avoiding traditional hourly billing models used by larger firms.
