Dispute Resolution and Appeals
Most tax enquiry issues are settled by negotiation and agreement and this is always IDR’s main aim for its clients. But when a taxpayer and HMRC cannot agree on an issue there are various appeals processes available to resolve matters: including the Tax Tribunal, Internal Review and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Our experts will always aim to settle by negotiation and agreement
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Should negotiations be unsuccessful we can continue to support you through the various stages
Statutory / Internal Review
The Statutory, or Internal Review is an HMRC-led mechanism whereby another Tax Inspector, not previously involved with the case, can consider matters. A Statutory Review can be a very useful method of resolving a dispute, particularly where it seems that the tax investigator is misinterpreting the key facts, or applying the tax law incorrectly.
Tax Tribunal
If a case does proceed to a Tribunal hearing we will consider whether appropriate Counsel should be instructed and, if so work closely with them to achieve the best outcome possible.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Where the relationship with the investigating HMRC officer has broken down, then the ADR route can be useful to move things forward. This is usually adopted prior to the Statutory Review or appeal to the Tax Tribunal. A so-called independent HMRC employee “facilitator” is used to try and restore the communication process and accelerate the settlement of the case. The HMRC facilitator cannot decide the outcome of any dispute. They can simply advise both sides on the best way to break the log-jam and progress matters and can be a useful route if you feel the compliance officer is not listening to you or is misunderstanding you.
The Adjudicator and Ombudsman
The Adjudicator and The Ombudsman are two different offices (independent of HMRC), and are there to help taxpayers who are unhappy with how the taxman is treating them. They can investigate complaints, and award compensation. They are pretty much a last resort, and are really only appropriate where HMRC are acting unreasonably. It is important to note that these are not the best forums for resolving disputes about key facts.
About Us
Integrated Dispute Resolution (IDR) brings together an unparalleled range of professional legal support services on one platform.
Embracing the concept of ‘client centric’ legal practice we enable lawyers to maximise their clients’ legal budget, minimising the time and costs spent on searching for the most appropriate ancillary services that may be required in the pursuit of the desired outcome in a legal matter.
Based on a Chambers model, the services of each professional member can be sought through a single point of contact through the IDR platform. All of the professional members are vetted and assessed on their abilities to perform services under each distinct area of law in which they wish to support. IDR enables lawyers to make the most effective and efficient use of their time and expertise.
By utilising the platform, lawyers and clients can be confident that they have the strongest possible team working together on their legal matter.
Not sure what support you require?
If you can’t find the support you are looking for on our website or are unsure what service you require, please contact us with a description of your requirements and we can discuss the options available to you.
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We are currently looking for individuals and organisations that provide legal and litigation support services, if you provide any of the services listed on this site and wish to join the IDR network and benefit from our established relationships with Law Firms and Barristers in the UK and beyond, please contact us today.