I provide expert advice on tax investigations and disputes.
My experience in this area is extensive and unique, combining 18 years spent as an investigator at HM Customs & Excise with 15 subsequent years spent advising clients in the private sector on various contentious tax matters.
A lot of my work is in the sectors that HMRC considers to have the greatest tax risk, including the alcohol and recruitment industries. My deep understanding of these sectors enables me to navigate clients through what can often be compliance minefields.
Clients value my ability to quickly comprehend their issues and find solutions. I understand the strains a tax investigation can place on both individuals and businesses, and one of my most important roles is relieving clients’ stress and worry so that they can get on with life and business.
I regularly act for:
- companies in the alcohol sector, advising them on FITTED due diligence requirements under Notice 196 and dealing with compliance issues and appeals to the Finance and Tax Tribunal
- businesses facing MTIC/Kittel issues, providing compliance and due diligence advice and dealing with appeals to the Tax Tribunal
- individuals and companies:
- with tax disclosure, COP9, Worldwide Disclosure Facility and EBT/loan charge issues
- facing local tax enquiries, including those related to self-assessment, CGT and VAT issues
- with tax debts, including those facing or being threatened with insolvency proceedings
Private client highlights:
- negotiating a client’s CGT assessment down by 75% following his disposal of a second home
- helping numerous clients avoid bankruptcy by negotiating dismissals of their bankruptcy petitions with HMRC
- assisting numerous individuals with the Worldwide Disclosure Facility
SME, director & shareholder highlights:
- conducting numerous successful appeals in the Finance and Tax Tribunal for businesses facing issues relating to MTIC and Kittel
- successfully defending three directors of a bonded warehouse facing breach of fiduciary claims relating to an alleged Excise fraud of £7 million. Following the proceedings, HMRC also withdrew the accompanying tax assessment
- acting for an Irish bonded warehouse, successfully getting HMRC to withdraw an assessment of over £100,000 following representations
- successfully arguing with HMRC that a large VAT assessment relating to intercompany payments which they had issued to a bullion trader was incorrect – HMRC subsequently withdrew the assessment
- advising several companies in the alcohol sector on FITTED due diligence as per Notice 196
I have been doing business with Andy for over two years now. In that time I have found him to be very knowledgeable in relation to HMRC matters and excellent in explaining them in layman terms.
Harry Golden, Irish bonded warehouse owner
Andy Lynch at FWJ was literally a life saver for me. I ran in to some tax issues with HMRC and I suffer from mental health issues as well so I was a complex case. Andy took his time to professionally and accurately layout my case and assist me with finding a resolution. I researched a lot of tax advisers before making my decision and I am glad I did and relieved that I chose Andy and FWJ.
Chris Kitchen
