Tax investigations and Litigation
Your protection against HMRC – from the very first letter
A tax investigation by HMRC is one of the most stressful situations a business or individual can face. Whether you’ve received a compliance check notice, are subject to a Code of Practice 9 investigation, or are dealing with something more serious, the right specialist support can make a significant difference to the outcome.
At NHD Tax Solutions, we provide expert, practical support throughout the full investigation process – from the first letter to final resolution. You can involve us as much or as little as you need: whether that’s working alongside you throughout, or taking over full management of the case.
The best advice, when you need it
From practical advice and support to working through an entire case, we are here to assist you through a tax investigation and minimise the impact it will have on the life of your client.
Support for accountants, tax advisers, and lawyers
Many of our clients come to us through referrals from other professionals – accountants, solicitors, and tax advisers who recognise that a particular situation calls for specialist investigation experience.
We’re used to working collaboratively. Our goal is always to support the existing professional relationship, not to displace it. If you have a client facing an HMRC investigation and you want experienced backup, we’re here.
Our team of friendly experts can help
When we say nothing is impossible, we mean it. Our team’s collective experience means we’re able to support clients throughout various investigation and litigation scenarios, with our primary goal being to get you the best possible outcome. Our areas of specialism include:
Criminal Tax Investigation
Even after HMRC has commenced a criminal investigation, there may still be an opportunity to provide additional information that moves matters onto a civil footing. This can make an enormous difference to the outcome. We advise on exactly what steps to take, and when, to give the best possible chance of a civil resolution.
Code of Practice 9 (COP9)
COP9 is one of HMRC’s most serious civil investigation procedures, reserved for cases where fraud is suspected. If HMRC offers COP9, accepting it means acknowledging deliberate behaviour, but in exchange, it provides immunity from criminal prosecution. We have extensive experience guiding clients through this process, from the initial Outline Disclosure to the final settlement.
Voluntary Disclosure
A voluntary disclosure, where a taxpayer proactively comes forward to correct their tax position, can be the difference between a civil conclusion and a criminal charge. It also typically results in significantly reduced penalties compared to prompted disclosures. We help clients structure and submit voluntary disclosures to give them the best possible outcome.
How it works
Step 1: Getting to know your story
To understand how we can help you through a tax investigation, it’s important to get to know your story. In a non-judgemental chat, we’ll talk through your situation and discuss exactly what you need.
Step 2: Making recommendations
Based on our chat we will pull together our recommendations for an approach which will limit the stress placed on you throughout a tax investigation.
Step 3: Ongoing representation
Once mobilised, we will represent you throughout the entire tax investigation process. Our goal is to give you peace of mind that you’ll get the best possible outcome.
Your new support network
Edward
Tax Dispute Consultant
Who are you and what is your role at NHD?
My Name is Edward Gilad, I joined NHD Tax Solutions as a Tax Dispute Consultant in March 2021 after resigning from my role with HMRC. I have a strong background in accounting and tax through professional experience and formal training. The combination of my professional experience as a Chartered Accountant, HMRC caseworker and education in Tax Law (I am a Master of Laws) gives me a good understanding of the technical aspects of taxation.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I particularly enjoy helping my clients to understand the technical aspects of taxes for the matter in dispute, their obligations as taxpayers, and why HMRC suspect there to be tax risk, so that the enquiry period also serves as learning for the taxpayer to avoid mistakes going forward and provide peace of mind.
What’s a fun fact about you?
Besides everything, one thing I cannot live without is “my” nuts, so I sometimes feel I am a reincarnated squirrel in human form.
Rebecca
Head of Operations
What is your favourite part of your role?
All of it – there’s so much variety. But my absolute favourite part of the job is when we know that NHD has made a real difference to someone’s life, when a great result is achieved.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have quite a selection of footwear. I won’t go into too much detail on how many pairs exactly though, in case my husband reads this!
Andrew
Head of Indirect Tax
Who are you and what is your role at NHD?
I have worked in VAT since 1989, initially for HM Customs & Excise and then for HM Revenue & Customs, I started out as a visiting officer before moving on to various types of investigation work before becoming the Training Manager for the Yorkshire area. I then had a spell as HM Inspector of Taxes before returning to VAT as an assurance officer, dealing with larger businesses. My final role in HMRC was within iTAPE dealing with Partial Exemption, Tax Avoidance and complex VAT liability issues. This was predominantly in the Banking and Finance sector but also included Education and Construction and providing technical support to other teams including the Fraud Investigation Service. At NHD Tax Solutions my role as Head of Indirect Tax is mainly helping businesses who are involved in indirect tax disputes with HMRC, although we have also assisted clients with Border Force enquiries and seizures of goods.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of my current job is finding solutions to difficult tax issues.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I play the Guitar badly!
Saad
Tax Dispute Consultant
Who are you and what is your role at NHD?
I am a tax disputes consultant, currently progressing through professional exams to attain my CTA qualification. I come from a tax background, having worked with Nick in a previous role in tax investigations. I then spent a year in a traditional practice working in corporation tax doing compliance activities before rejoining Nick at NHD.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of this role is the fact that we are helping individuals resolving difficult situations. Our goal is to take the burden away from our clients and the relief and peace of mind we give them when cases are closed or settled is why I enjoy working in tax investigations.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have a very mixed background, with my dad being Indian living in England and my mum being Moroccan growing up in France. As you can imagine, our dinner table has a broad range of foods, from biryani to fish and chips to cous cous to baguettes.
Nick
Managing Director
Who are you and what is your role at NHD?
I’m Nick and I’m the founder and Managing Director of NHD Tax Solutions.
What is your favourite part of your role?
Nothing in my very long career in taxation has given me greater satisfaction than watching our team develop, grow and work together to deliver outstanding results for our clients. They are an exceptional bunch of people and I feel lucky to work with them.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have been a semi professional musician, songwriter & performer for longer than I have worked in tax! My band once represented Cornwall in the Pan Celtic Song Contest (a bit like Eurovision for the 6 Celtic nations) and I had to sing a song in the Cornish language – which had been taught to me phonetically. That was interesting!
Need help with a tax investigation?
Whether you’re an accountant looking for specialist backup, or an individual facing an HMRC investigation directly, contact NHD Tax Solutions today. We’ll give you a clear, honest assessment of the situation and what we think the right approach is.
