Tax disputes can be disruptive, time-consuming, and business critical. Shoosmiths’ contentious tax team helps clients navigate these challenges with confidence — from the first HMRC enquiry to tribunal hearings and negotiated settlements.

We act for corporates, high-net-worth individuals, and other organisations on direct and indirect tax matters. Our team includes chartered tax advisers, litigators, and accredited mediators, offering a seamless service across compliance checks, information notices, penalty mitigation, and appeals.

We also handle tax-related professional negligence claims and disputes over tax warranties or covenants. Where tax issues intersect with insolvency, regulation, or commercial litigation, we collaborate with our specialists to deliver joined-up advice.

Whether you’re already working with accountants or in-house finance teams, we add legal firepower and strategic clarity — helping set the right tone with HMRC and ensuring statutory powers are not overstepped. Our goal is always to resolve disputes efficiently, pragmatically, and in line with your wider business objectives.

• acting for a major food manufacturer in appealing VAT assessments imposed in respect of protein milkshakes

• acting for a padel court operator in challenging the withdrawal by HMRC of EIS relief

• acting for a major automotive manufacture in judicial review proceedings against HMRC

• handling a claim for professional negligence against tax advisers for a real estate fund

• assisting a UK software company with a disclosure to HMRC

• handling an enquiry, mitigating penalty assessments and agreeing penalty suspension conditions with HMRC for a client with multiple historic tax mistakes