Vat Fraud Defence Solicitors
Our VAT Fraud Solicitors have been helping businesses accused of committing VAT fraud since 1998, giving us the expertise required to provide industry-leading legal advice.
VAT fraud investigations can be particularly disruptive for businesses due to the detailed nature of the investigations. Company and personal reputations are also put at risk, making the situation particularly stressful for business owners and their loved ones.
Due to the complexity of the law around VAT fraud and the thoroughness of investigations, VAT fraud cases can be particularly lengthy and complicated. To ensure you have the right support and advice during that time, you should obtain expert legal advice as soon as possible.
Draycott Browne's team of VAT Fraud Solicitors have successfully represented and advised clients in serious high value fraud cases including VAT Fraud since 1998 and we could help your defence.
How can our VAT Fraud Solicitors Help?
We have successfully guided clients in complex, high-value fraud cases for over 20 years. Our VAT Fraud Solicitors provide advice in some of the most complex cases around and have the experience and knowledge required to provide you with the best defence possible.
Over the years, our team of VAT Fraud Lawyers have developed a reputation for defending serious cases with unmatched tenacity and precision, gaining vast experience dealing with enforcement agencies including:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
- The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
This means we know exactly what to do, no matter what's thrown our way.
Throughout your case, we will:
- Represent you during questioning
- Ensure your rights are protected and you're treated fairly
- Advise you on your plea
- Apply for bail where necessary and ensure the impact of any conditions is minimised
- Fully prepare you for trial
- Provide expert representation in court
- Advise and assist on the appeals process if required
- Help you protect your reputation
We understand how serious being accused of VAT Fraud is and the stress it brings. With Draycott Browne's VAT Fraud Solicitors by your side, you can be confident you have someone with the expertise required to get you the best-possible result and help you get your life back on track as soon as possible.
Call us today on the number at the top of the screen or fill out the contect form below to speak to a member of our team.
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 VAT 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.
Dedicated expertise for defending all types of fraud offences.
Our Specialist vat Fraud Solicitors
What is VAT Fraud?
VAT fraud refers to fraudulent activities aimed at evading Value Added Tax (VAT) or illegally claiming VAT refunds. It can occur when a business either doesn’t charge the right amount of VAT or doesn’t pay the appropriate amount to HMRC.
As the rules around VAT are complex, it is easy for businesses to make genuine mistakes which can see them being investigated for VAT fraud.
Common examples of VAT fraud include the following:
- Suppressing sales or inflating purchases to avoid or reduce the VAT liability
- Not charging VAT when it should be charged, e.g. cash in hand jobs
- Falsifying VAT invoices to make it look like VAT was paid
- Charging VAT despite not being registered for VAT, and then not accounting for that VAT to HMRC
Convictions for VAT fraud can have serious repercussions if not handled properly by the right legal representative. At Draycott Browne, our VAT Fraud Solicitors possess extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with allegations of VAT fraud. Upon notification, we will develop a comprehensive and robust defence strategy aimed at minimising the potential sentences involved.
What are the Penalties of VAT Fraud?
If an individual is found guilty or pleads guilty to VAT fraud, they could be subject to penalties including up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to £20,000. Additionally, ancillary orders such as a restraint order, confiscation order, financial reporting order, serious crime prevention order, or disqualification from acting as a company director in the future may be imposed.
During sentencing, the judge takes into account various factors including the age of the individual, the level of responsibility, and culpability. The court also considers the extent to which the offence was planned and executed, as well as other factors such as previous convictions, remorse and character. In addition, any disabilities or mental disorders are also considered when determining VAT fraud penalties for each case.
If you are convicted, your details will be included in the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) database, previously known as the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB). This may significantly impact your future career opportunities.
If you're accused of VAT Fraud, it's essential to consult with our expert VAT Fraud Solicitor at Draycott Browne. With our extensive experience in handling VAT fraud cases and our meticulous approach, we will develop a robust defence strategy to minimise the impact. Contact us today to initiate the process.
What Happens in a VAT Fraud Investigation?
VAT fraud investigations can be lengthy and disruptive to businesses due to their thoroughness. They can lead to severe consequences and penalties, including:
- Your business being Raided
- Your business accounts being frozen
- Arrest of business personnel
- Interview under caution of business personnel
- Commencement of criminal proceedings for VAT fraud
- Recovery of criminal assets through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
- Imposition of a Serious Crime Prevention Order
If you're facing VAT Fraud Investigations, our seasoned VAT Fraud Solicitors will expertly advise you on how to handle HMRC requests. These intricate and lengthy investigations are our specialty. With Draycott Browne at your side, you're in capable hands. Get in touch with us today and we will get to work on your defence strategy leaving no stone left unturned.
Case Study
Liverpool's Longest Fraud Trial
26 October 2018
In the longest fraud trial Liverpool's Crown Court has seen, Rob Mann of Draycott Browne conducted the successful representation of former Conservative councillor David Richard Barton. A not guilty verdict was returned after 137 days of trial allowing David to finally put his life back on track.
Specialist VAT 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 VAT Fraud Offence Solicitors today.
24 Hour Availability
It is not always possible to anticipate an arrest, which is why our legal advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At Draycott Browne we have a team of professionals ready to assist you whenever you need us. We will represent you at from the start to make sure you and your case are treated fairly and appropriately.
Legal Aid
Defending your name is worth every penny, but if you need assistance with the financial cost of your legal fees, we can help you to apply for legal aid. Our solicitors can guide you through the application process to help you get the maximum support possible.
Private Funding
At Draycott Browne, we have always supported and will continue to support clients who choose to fund their cases with Legal Aid. However, it's important to understand that Legal Aid funding imposes significant limitations on the level of support we can provide.
By opting for private funding for the legal services you need, you are ensuring the highest quality advice and representation from our top-class VAT Fraud Solicitors. Private funding enables us to allocate additional resources within our team to work more creatively and extensively on your case.
With private funding, we can provide the best possible service, leveraging the full extent of our experienced team, and ensuring that every aspect of your legal defence is thoroughly addressed.
If you're facing VAT or Carousel fraud charges, we strongly recommend considering private funding. This will ensure that you receive the best representation for your case and significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Your VAT Fraud Questions Answered
VAT fraud involves deliberately misleading HMRC in order to avoid paying VAT or to obtain refunds that a business is not legally entitled to. It can include submitting false VAT returns, issuing fabricated invoices, concealing sales, inflating expenses or participating in more sophisticated schemes such as supply chain fraud. In some cases, behaviour that appears suspicious to HMRC may result from genuine administrative errors, inadequate record keeping or misunderstandings about VAT rules rather than deliberate wrongdoing.
Because HMRC reviews trading activity, invoices, banking records and supply chain arrangements in detail, even legitimate businesses can find themselves the subject of scrutiny. If you are contacted by HMRC, it is essential to understand precisely what conduct is being alleged and how the investigators believe the fraud has occurred. Experienced VAT Fraud Solicitors can assess the allegations, review the underlying evidence and provide clear guidance on how to respond in a way that protects your position from the outset.
Challenging a VAT fraud allegation depends heavily on the quality, consistency and reliability of your business records. HMRC often focuses on invoices, purchase orders, delivery documentation, bank transactions, communication with suppliers, due diligence checks and any internal accounting processes. Evidence that demonstrates genuine trading, honest reporting and reasonable business practice is usually central to a strong defence.
In many cases, HMRC may make assumptions about knowledge, intent or “should have known” standards based on gaps or discrepancies in documentation. This is why it is crucial to assemble clear records that show how transactions were conducted in practice. Skilled VAT Fraud Solicitors can identify which documents are most persuasive, challenge incorrect interpretations made by HMRC and help present evidence in a structured way that undermines any suggestion of deliberate dishonesty.
HMRC assesses several factors when deciding whether a VAT issue should be handled through a civil process or escalated to a criminal investigation. Civil enquiries are generally used when HMRC believes the issue may stem from mistakes, poor record keeping or a failure to understand VAT rules. In contrast, cases are treated criminally when HMRC suspects deliberate dishonesty, concealment, manipulation of records, fabricated invoices or participation in fraudulent supply chains.
Other considerations include the value of the suspected loss to the public purse, the sophistication of the conduct, whether multiple parties are involved and whether there is evidence of repeated non-compliance. HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) may also evaluate whether prosecution would serve a deterrent purpose. Because the threshold between civil and criminal action is not always clear, early advice is essential. Experienced VAT Fraud Solicitors can intervene at an early stage, challenge assumptions that suggest dishonesty and work to keep the matter within the civil framework wherever possible.
Yes, you can still face VAT fraud allegations even if you relied on professional advice, because HMRC generally expects business owners and directors to have oversight of their financial reporting. While relying on an accountant may be a strong mitigating factor, it does not automatically prevent HMRC from alleging that you knew or should have known that VAT was being underpaid or reclaimed incorrectly. This is particularly relevant in cases involving supply chain fraud, where HMRC may argue that warning signs should have been noticed.
However, proving that you acted in good faith, sought expert input and followed reasonable procedures can significantly strengthen your defence. Evidence of communication with your accountant, internal controls, and the steps you took to ensure accurate reporting will be important. Specialist VAT Fraud Solicitors can help demonstrate that any errors arose from reliance on professional advice rather than deliberate dishonesty, thereby reducing the risk of criminal consequences and improving the prospects of resolving the matter favourably.
Yes, VAT fraud allegations can have long-term implications even if the matter does not result in prosecution. HMRC may impose stricter monitoring, request more frequent returns, or require additional evidence before releasing repayments. In some cases, businesses may be placed under extended compliance reviews, which can slow down operations and increase administrative pressure. These consequences can continue long after the investigation has concluded, particularly where HMRC believes that controls or due diligence processes were inadequate.
Financial institutions may also treat VAT fraud allegations as a risk factor when assessing credit, loans or commercial agreements. Lenders often conduct compliance checks that take account of HMRC investigations, making it harder to secure funding, renegotiate facilities or enter new commercial partnerships. Engaging experienced VAT Fraud Solicitors early can help minimise reputational impact, challenge incorrect HMRC assumptions and ensure the strongest possible position when dealing with banks or future regulatory enquiries.
VAT Fraud Solicitors play a crucial role in safeguarding both the legal and commercial interests of a business facing an investigation. They provide clear guidance on how to respond to HMRC, ensuring that information is disclosed correctly and that no statements are made that could be misinterpreted as admissions. Solicitors can also review HMRC’s requests to ensure they are proportionate, challenge unreasonable demands and ensure your rights are fully protected throughout the enquiry.
Beyond the legal implications, an investigation can unsettle staff, suppliers and commercial partners. Skilled VAT Fraud Solicitors help manage the impact on day to day trading by advising on communication strategies, protecting confidential business data and preventing unnecessary disruption. They work to reduce reputational damage and maintain business stability while also building a robust defence based on accurate records, reliable evidence and a clear explanation of trading practices. This comprehensive support ensures that your business remains resilient while the investigation runs its course.
Contact our VAT Fraud Solicitors
Draycott Browne, one of the top Criminal Defence Law Firms in the country, offers specialist VAT Fraud investigation representation to clients in Manchester, Liverpool and London and throughout Engalnd and Wales. By bringing your case to us, you can be confident that you will be working with a team of highly skilled and committed VAT Fraud Specialists.
Our team of Criminal Defence Lawyers is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with expert VAT fraud solicitors committed to providing a world-class defence for their clients. Draycott Browne is highly regarded across the legal profession and recognised as experts on all matters of tax law and fraud. Our 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 Fraud Solicitors 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 the VAT office, it is essential you seek legal advice today. Contact Draycott Browne’s fraud team, simply call +44 (0)161 228 2244