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Tax Fraud Solicitors

At Draycott Browne, our experienced team of Tax Fraud Lawyers is trusted across the UK to provide a robust defence in tax evasion cases. We recognise the serious consequences of such charges, including substantial fines, reputational damage, and imprisonment, making expert legal representation essential.

Tax evasion is a complex and serious offence, but with the right defence, it is possible to mitigate the impact. Our fraud lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of tax law and will build a defence tailored to your specific circumstances, exploring every option to achieve the best outcome.

For over two decades, our Tax Fraud Lawyers have been representing clients both individuals and businesses facing tax evasion allegations. The potential penalties are severe, but early action and the right legal advice can make all the difference. With a trusted and highly experienced legal team behind you, you can feel confident that your case will be handled with the utmost care and expertise.

To find out how we can assist with your tax evasion defence, please contact our team today.  Either call us on +44 (0)161 228 2244 or complete an enquiry form and we’ll get back to you.

How can our Tax Fraud Lawyers Help?

If you are under investigation by HMRC for suspected tax fraud, it is essential to seek immediate legal representation. Allegations of this nature can be overwhelming, but with the right legal guidance, you can navigate the complexities with confidence.

At Draycott Browne, our specialist Tax Fraud Lawyers have extensive experience handling tax fraud investigations. We are committed to offering expert support at every stage, ensuring you are fully informed and protected throughout the process. During your case, we will:

  • Provide you with a full understanding of your situation and the subsequent implications
  • Explain the investigative process and advise on how long it is likely to last
  • Liaise with HMRC and the police on your behalf
  • Build a strong defence which gives you the best-possible chance of a successful case
  • Advise on the appeals process should you dispute HMRC's ruling
  • Work hard throughout to protect your interests and reputation whilst making the process as stress-free as possible

Our goal is to protect your interests by providing comprehensive legal representation that prioritises your financial and personal well-being. Our Tax Fraud Lawyers work tirelessly to minimise penalties and, wherever possible, prevent criminal prosecution, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.​​

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Our legal team is available 7 days a week

Criminal Defence Expertise for Tax Fraud Offences

Robert Mann Criminal Defence Lawyer

How I Take Control of the Investigation

Robert Mann | Fraud Defence Lawyer

"I don't believe in waiting for the prosecution to make the first move. Success in tax fraud defence is built in the months before you ever step into a courtroom. We use that time to dismantle the case against you piece by piece, auditing every document and challenging every assumption. When we take control, we aren't just reacting to the investigation; we are leading it."

Arrested or facing an urgent interview? Call me now on the 24/7 emergency number at the top of this page for immediate advice.

 

 

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Our Expert tax fraud Lawyers

Shaun Draycott

Shaun Draycott

Managing Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Rob Mann

Rob Mann

Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Venessa Schweitzer

Venessa Schweitzer

Consultant Litigator
Caitlin Cardwell

Caitlin Cardwell

Crown Court Litigator
Meet the Team

What is tax fraud?

Tax fraud is a serious criminal offence involving the illegal avoidance of taxes by misrepresenting financial information to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Both individuals and businesses can commit tax fraud in several ways, including:

  • Failing to declare income or inflating expenses
  • Hiding assets in offshore accounts
  • Providing false information on tax returns

Tax fraud is prosecuted under both the Fraud Act 2006 and the Taxes Management Act 1970, with the potential for severe penalties. A conviction can lead to substantial fines or even imprisonment. Beyond these immediate consequences, the long-term damage to your personal and professional reputation can be devastating. HMRC has the authority not only to prosecute but also to publicly name individuals and businesses under investigation, further exacerbating the harm to your standing and livelihood.​​

What is the difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance? 

It is vital to understand the distinction between tax evasion and tax avoidance, as HMRC may investigate both.

  • Tax evasion refers to deliberate deception to reduce tax liability, which is illegal.
  • Tax avoidance uses legal loopholes to reduce taxes.

Tax avoidance is not a criminal offence, but aggressive tax avoidance strategies can attract HMRC’s attention under the Finance Act 2013 if deemed abusive.

Recent HMRC crackdowns on tax avoidance schemes make it increasingly risky to engage in overly aggressive tax strategies. Even if you believe your tax arrangements are lawful, HMRC may still launch an investigation.

If you are facing accusations of tax fraud, you need immediate expert legal advice. Tax fraud investigations are complex, and any misstep could result in devastating financial and legal consequences. Our experienced Tax Fraud Lawyers at Draycott Browne will protect your rights, minimise potential penalties and handle all dealings with HMRC to reduce the stress on you or your business

What are the most common tax evasion defences? 

At Draycott Browne, we understand that tax evasion cases often involve complex circumstances and are not always the result of deliberate fraud. Our Tax Fraud Lawyers have extensive experience in defending clients and tailoring strategies to suit each case. Common defences in tax evasion cases include:

Lack of intent through accidental or negligent underreporting

HMRC is required to prove that there was an intent to deceive. Often, tax errors arise from administrative mistakes or a misunderstanding of tax regulations, rather than deliberate fraud. For instance, you may have underreported income or incorrectly claimed deductions due to confusion over tax rules. If we can show that these errors were unintentional, it may significantly weaken HMRC’s case against you.

Reliance on bad professional advice

Many individuals and businesses place trust in their accountants or tax advisors. If you received inaccurate or misleading guidance from a professional and acted based on that advice, this can serve as a robust defence. We will carefully examine correspondence with your advisor to demonstrate that you acted in good faith, unaware of any wrongdoing.

Honest mistakes in financial reporting

The complexity of tax laws can easily lead to errors, such as misreporting income, misunderstanding allowable deductions, or overlooking certain investments. For example, mistakes like incorrectly categorising personal and business expenses or failing to declare offshore assets are often genuine oversights. Our role is to help HMRC differentiate between such honest mistakes and intentional fraud.

No financial loss to HMRC

In situations where the taxes were eventually paid or the issue was simply a timing error, such as revenue being reported in the wrong tax year, this defence may apply. While penalties could still be imposed, proving that HMRC suffered no financial loss can mitigate the severity of the charges and may help prevent criminal prosecution.

Our expert Tax Fraud Lawyers are committed to delivering the strong defence you need in any tax evasion case. We will carefully assess your situation and pursue the most effective strategy to ensure the best possible outcome.

If you are facing an HMRC investigation, contact Draycott Browne today to protect your rights and safeguard your future.

What are the penalties for tax evasion?

Tax fraud carries severe penalties under UK law, which depend on the scale and nature of the fraud. If convicted of tax fraud, you may face:

Heavy fines: Depending on the scale of the fraud, fines can be substantial, with penalties often linked to the amount of tax evaded.

Prison sentences: Under Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006, individuals found guilty of fraudulent activity can face up to 10 years imprisonment. The length of the sentence will depend on factors such as the amount of money involved, the level of intent, and whether the fraud was part of a larger scheme.

Reputational damage: In addition to legal penalties, HMRC has the authority to publicly name individuals and companies convicted of tax fraud, causing irreparable harm to your personal and professional reputation. This “naming and shaming” policy is designed to deter tax fraud by making an example of those convicted.

The sentencing guidelines for fraud-related offences, including tax fraud, are strict. Sentencing depends on the financial impact and the role you played in the fraud. Those deemed to be key players in large-scale operations can expect harsher penalties than individuals with more limited involvement.

It’s important to understand that even if you are prosecuted, you will still be liable to pay the full amount of tax owed, along with any additional fines or penalties imposed by HMRC.

Specialist Tax Fraud Lawyers

  • 24/7 Availability
  • Proven Success in High Profile Cases
  • Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation

Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Tax Fraud Defence Lawyers today.

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Voluntary disclosure schemes

HMRC offers individuals and businesses the opportunity to come forward voluntarily through schemes like the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (WDF). This allows you to disclose unpaid taxes before an investigation is launched, potentially reducing the risk of prosecution and minimising penalties.

By making a voluntary disclosure, you demonstrate to HMRC that you are willing to cooperate, which may result in reduced penalties. While you will still need to pay the outstanding tax, interest, and any relevant fines, voluntarily disclosing your situation can significantly mitigate the legal and financial consequences.

At Draycott Browne, our experts in fraud can guide you through this process, ensuring that your disclosure is handled correctly and professionally. We provide specialist advice on how to approach HMRC and manage the process, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome.

24 hour availability

Investigations into tax fraud can often escalate without warning, potentially leading to an unexpected arrest. In such cases, it is crucial to have legal representation as early as possible. That’s why we offer round-the-clock support, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Whether you are contacted by HMRC for an interview or face arrest, our expert solicitors are on hand to assist you at the police station at any hour.

Legal aid

Defending against allegations of tax fraud can result in significant legal fees, which may come as a financial burden. Legal aid is available to help alleviate these costs, allowing you to focus on the defence strategy for your case. Our experienced Tax Fraud Lawyers can provide guidance on your eligibility for legal aid and assist you through the application process, ensuring you have the best possible chance of securing financial assistance.

Private funding

At Draycott Browne, we understand the complexities involved in tax fraud cases. While legal aid can provide some relief, it comes with restrictions that can limit the level of defence we are able to build.

Opting for private funding ensures that you receive the most comprehensive legal support available. With private funding, we have greater flexibility and resources to explore all possible defences, including detailed forensic accounting investigations, expert consultations and rigorous cross-examinations. Given the increasing scrutiny by HMRC and the government’s tougher stance on tax fraud, it is more important than ever to have the highest level of legal representation.

Private funding ensures that our team can dedicate the time and resources necessary to analyse every detail of your case, increasing your chances of achieving a favourable outcome. If you are facing serious allegations of tax fraud, we highly recommend pursuing private funding to secure the best possible defence.

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Our legal team is available 7 days a week

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Contact our Tax Fraud Lawyers Today 

Draycott Browne is highly regarded across the legal profession and recognised as experts on all matters of tax law and fraud. Our​​​​​ criminal solicitors, who are specialists in their field, possess a breadth of knowledge that will ensure the level of quality you should expect from a top legal team.

We take pride in our dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for all our clients and we have an excellent track record in helping hundreds of clients avoid prosecution for tax evasion.

Our Tax Evasion Lawyers have practised within the area of financial and accounting crime crime since 1998, and their experience and expertise are guaranteed to give you the best possible chance of a successful case. If you are currently under investigation by HMRC for tax evasion, it is essential you seek legal advice today. Contact Draycott Browne’s fraud team, simply call +44 (0)161 228 2244.

Draycott Browne is one of Manchester's top criminal law firms. We regularly provide specialist criminal defence representation to clients in Manchester, Liverpool and London. We offer our services to clients throughout the whole of England and Wales. When facing the full weight of the law, you cannot afford to settle for anything less than Draycott Browne.

Frequently Asked Questions for Tax Fraud

Tax fraud involves deliberately giving false or misleading financial information to reduce or avoid tax owed to HMRC. It can include undeclared income, false tax returns, hidden offshore funds or fabricated records. In England and Wales, prosecutions may be brought under legislation including the Fraud Act 2006, the Taxes Management Act 1970, including section 106A for fraudulent evasion of income tax, and the Value Added Tax Act 1994, alongside the common law offence of cheating the public revenue and corporate offences under the Criminal Finances Act 2017.

A tax investigation may become criminal when HMRC suspects deliberate dishonesty rather than an error or negligence, such as concealed income, false documents or fabricated accounts. At that stage, HMRC may use interviews under caution, search warrants, document seizure and digital forensic evidence to investigate possible offences.

An HMRC criminal investigation focuses on gathering evidence of deliberate tax fraud and may involve interviews under caution, search warrants, seizure of financial records and devices, document requests and asset-freezing measures. HMRC may also examine years of financial data and carry out digital forensic analysis to decide whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute.

Yes. HMRC can arrest someone suspected of serious tax evasion where arrest is considered necessary, for example because of the scale of the alleged fraud, a risk that evidence may be destroyed or concerns about non-cooperation. Following arrest, you may be questioned under caution and anything you say can be used as evidence.

An HMRC interview under caution means you are suspected of a criminal offence, and anything you say may be used as evidence. Seek specialist legal advice before attending so the allegations and any disclosure can be reviewed, and have a solicitor present to advise you during questioning.

The Contractual Disclosure Facility under Code of Practice 9 allows HMRC to investigate suspected deliberate tax fraud on a civil basis where the taxpayer makes a full and honest disclosure. In return, HMRC undertakes not to prosecute the disclosed conduct, but that protection can be lost if the disclosure is incomplete or misleading.

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