Default Surcharge of over £20,000 withdrawn
Our client had received a Default Surcharge based on a VAT having been submitted a few days late. The client had requested HMRC to review the penalty which was upheld by HMRC at the review stage.
We lodged an appeal to the Tribunal setting out detailed grounds as to why our client had a “reasonable excuse”. After reviewing our grounds of appeal HMRC withdrew the surcharge.
Meet The Team
PeterSmallwood
Peter has assisted a variety of clients including overseas businesses, large multi-national businesses, family businesses, partnerships and sole proprietors. Peter has represented clients at VAT ADR meetings and at the First-Tier Tax Tribunal. Initial negotiations with HMRC can be crucial and as a VAT specialist Peter has been able to make representations to HMRC that have resulted in a number of clients to successfully resolve matters without the need of further action. Peter has been instructed by a number of firms of Solicitor’s to provide expert witness reports in relation to VAT matters.
Experience
Peter has over 25 years’ experience as a leading VAT specialist working in the profession including being a VAT Director at Deloittes. Prior to working within the profession he worked as a Senior VAT Officer at what is now HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Indeed he remembers the days prior to HMRC when he worked at HM Customs & Excise (HMC&E) and before specialising in VAT his work experience included Excise Duty and Customs Duty matters.
RachelDavies
Rachel Davies began her working life in the legal profession. When appropriate Rachel will instruct Counsel on behalf of clients for some of the more complex appeals on which we are instructed. Some appeals were Counsel has been instructed by Rachel have resulted in HMRC conceding the matter only a matter of days before a hearing was due to take place.
Experience
She moved on and over 25 years ago began working with the VAT group at Deloitte. Rachel was instrumental in setting up Solve VAT in 2002 and almost the first matter she worked on was what ultimately turned out to be a successful appeal on behalf of a client to the High Court from what was then the VAT and Duties Tribunal.