HMRC Tax Investigations Specialists in IR35 and off-payroll
IR35 defence services. By proven IR35 experts
In recent years dealing with IR35 and off-payroll enquiries has become highly specialised work. Success now depends on a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant statute and evolving case law, together with extensive experience of HMRC enquiry and tax tribunal work. With our success in tax tribunals against accomplished HMRC Counsel, you can be confident you've hired the right team.
Building a foundation
During the enquiry stage, the team work to help establish the facts and grounds of appeal, designed to maximise the chances of obtaining early closure of the enquiry.
A solid foundation is laid at this stage should the matter have to be brought into appeal proceedings.
Defending in tribunal
Leading up to tribunal, the team spend months intensively preparing and dealing with all detailed directions culminating in skeleton arguments.
During tribunal, our experience enables us to identify and convey to the court the substance of the dispute and why an appeal should be allowed.
The defence team
An IR35 defence duo with proven experience successfully defending enquiries from inception to tax tribunal. The team’s forensic fact-finding methods have been developed from comprehensive technical input, analysis and know-how of the status domain, with the primary aim of seeking early closure.
Chris Leslie
Chris has three decades of experience, including many years at HMRC, where he managed teams of status inspectors, working with Brian Hall (Hall v Lorimer) and Graeme Young (Usetech v Young). A formidable defence adversary specialising in forensic analysis to build defendable positions referencing corroborated fact patterns.
Dave Chaplin
Dave has been engrossed in IR35 technical matters for two decades. His focus is staying on the cutting edge of the case law. He regularly attends tax and employment tribunals to understand emerging arguments and latest interpretation on status matters.
Recent successes
IR35 Case: RALC Consulting v HMRC
The team successfully defended IT Contractor Richard Alcock at First-tier Tribunal, which defeated two barristers representing HMRC Solicitor’s Office. Chris and Dave worked together for 18 months to build the case defence before defending during a four day hearing. They succeeded in countering HMRC’s IR35 Opinion and extended time assessments with the Judge upholding RALC’s appeals.
Ongoing enquiries
Dave and Chris are currently managing a range of IR35 enquiries and also offer consulting for businesses to help ensure their procedures and processes achieve defendable positions in light of the new off-payroll working legislation.
Get expert help
If you need help defending an enquiry, or would like your own off-payroll processes stress tested then please get in touch.
Send an email in confidence to ir35defence@ir35shield.co.uk or complete the form.
