Tax fraud

Janes Solicitors offer specialist advice and assistance in this highly complex area of law whether you are facing investigation, interviews, enquiries or prosecution we are there for you every step of the way.

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We are highly experienced in dealing with all tax fraud and evasion cases, enquiries and disputes including:

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The difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance

Tax fraud typically involves the deliberate and dishonest evasion of tax by individuals, companies or trusts. Tax evasion can be carried out in several ways, including declaring less income than a person or organisation has actually earned, overstating deductions or declaring less profits or gains.

Tax avoidance is using a legitimate means to mitigate, reduce or defer your tax liability. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) should not take issue with anyone who uses a legitimate tax avoidance techniques. However, the position is often uncertain and Janes Solicitors will advise you.

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Tax fraud

In recent years HMRC have taken an increasingly strict approach to tackling illegal methods of tax evasion and tax fraud. Certain industries and types of business may become a specific target for HMRC.

Furthermore, the changes introduced by the Criminal Finances 2017 include two new offences of corporate failure to prevent tax evasions; changes to seizure powers; unexplained wealth orders (UWO) and changes to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Janes Solicitors will advise you on the implications for you and your business.

If you have concerns about the methods used by you or your business, or are concerned about tax evasion or tax fraud you should seek expert legal advice even before HMRC contact you or your business.

Janes Solicitors are regularly instructed to advise individuals and companies and have years of experience in particularly complex and large scale cases involving matters such as cheating HMRC, conspiracies to cheat HMRC, false or misleading or undeclared tax, tax avoidance schemes (including film schemes and research and development investments), Unregulated Collective Investment Schemes (UCIS) and the highly regulated area of VAT and Excise Duties.

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Our expertise & experience

Janes Solicitors hold a strong presence and first-class reputation in defending serious and complex tax fraud and tax evasion cases and are regularly instructed in the largest and most high-profile cases in the UK. The key to our success is the proactive and individual approach we take with each of our clients offering maximum support and a fearless commitment in each and every case that we undertake.

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Our exceptional & proven track record

R v Amin (Southwark Crown Court)

High profile acquittal of former RBS banker in the first HMRC prosecution against investors in film schemes.  The case attracted extensive media attention as it sent shockwaves through the tax advisory industry as investors were also now being targeted. One of a series of three trials prosecuting thirteen defendants including the financial advisor, founder and promoter, investors and film directors.

The case was unusual in that in one trial a genuine film was made, and the other film productions were used as a smoke screen to camouflage grossly inflated invoices. This particular trial turned on falsified diary entries for the bogus film productions where money was transferred across multiple jurisdictions and accounts to disguise the circular nature of the scheme financing. This is another case which demonstrates our firm’s role at the vanguard of white-collar criminal defence work.

Reporting:

R v Lunn (Southwark Crown Court)

This was a major HMRC prosecution of a leading tax accountant engaged in what was said to be a systematic long-term fraud against HMRC on behalf of clients, himself and his associates. The client was the ‘accountant to the stars’, counting Jeremy Paxman and Fiona Bruce amongst his 7,000 clients. The case involved the manipulation of the tax affairs of clients running to over £117m.

Reporting:

Contact our expert tax fraud defence lawyers

Janes Solicitors provides bespoke specialist advice on all areas of serious and complex fraud, regulatory, taxation and serious financial crime matters. With extensive experience in all areas of fraud and financial crime and a well-earned reputation as leaders in our field, our expert defence team take a proactive and pragmatic approach to legal advice and case strategy. We are committed to your successful outcome. Janes Solicitors pride ourselves on our case tailored approach for each client in and our fearless commitment in each and every case we undertake.

If you or your business have concerns, are under suspicion or investigation or have been arrested or prosecuted for any serious fraud or financial crime offence, contact us today. We are there when you need us.

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