VAT expert witness report

A VAT expert witness report must be produced in accordance with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998. In producing such a report the writer must understand that the overriding duty is to the Court in that the writer must help the Court on the matters within their expertise and this duty overrides any obligations to any person who has given instructions and/or paid for the preparation of the report.

Our instructions

In a recent case concerning alleged negligence of a firm of professional advisers one of our VAT specialists received a letter of instruction from a firm of Solicitors requesting an opinion of the following matters:

(a) The likely range of settlement figures which the claimant could have expected to achieve;

(b) The likely timescale to have reached an agreement with HMRC; and

(c) The professional fees which might have expected to be charged by accountants or other tax experts in advising and assisting with the process.

As well as producing a detailed tax expert witness report the VAT expert who produced the report was also able to discuss this matter with the parties to help clarify the issues.

Result

Utilising our VAT expert witness report mediation took place and the parties were able to agree a settlement. The terms of the settlement are subject to a confidentiality agreement, but we understand that those instructing us were content with the outcome.

It also meant, of course, that there was no need to have to issue proceedings to pursue the matter further. Court fees and Solicitors costs would have been significantly higher if a settlement had not been agreed.

Contact Solve VAT

To speak to one of our VAT specialists about a VAT expert witness reports or any other VAT matter please call us on 0161 883 2120.