The law surrounding VAT fraud is inherently complex and investigations can be protracted in nature, causing significant disruption to business and potential reputational damage. If you are subject to a VAT fraud investigation, or have been charged with VAT fraud, we can help you wherever you are based.

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At Imran Khan & Partners Solicitors, our team of solicitors can guide you through every step of the process, from representing you during questioning to advice and representation at Court.

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Free Initial Telephone Discussion

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For a free initial telephone discussion, please call us on 020 7404 3004 or email info@ikpsolicitors.com and we'll be in touch shortly. We can help clients wherever you are based across England and Wales.

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We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you require urgent assistance, please contact us on our emergency number on 07738 802993.

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What is VAT fraud?

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VAT fraud refers to a form of tax evasion, and in most cases arise when businesses fail to charge the appropriate amount of VAT when they should have done so, or charge VAT without paying HMRC the appropriate amount of VAT owed.

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VAT fraud is most commonly carried out by businesses in one of the following ways:

• Not being registered for VAT when they should be

• Asking for payment in cash to avoid paying VAT on a sale of an item or a job

• Asking for payments made to someone else other than the business

• Creating false VAT invoices to make it look like VAT was paid

• Using a false VAT number, or one that belongs to another business

• Submitting inflated VAT refund claims

• Carousel or Missing Trader Intra-Community Fraud

 

These actions can often result in the commencement of criminal investigations.

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Since the rules surrounding VAT are complex, genuine mistakes by business can occur, which could result in them being investigated for VAT fraud. It is therefore critical to engage a specialist VAT fraud solicitor as soon as you become aware of a possible investigation.

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Vat Fraud Investigations:

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VAT fraud investigations are protracted in nature due to the thoroughness by which they are conducted and can therefore cause significant disruption to businesses. Investigations can often result in a number of harsh consequences and penalties, including:

• The business being subject to a dawn raid

• Imposition of a Restraint Order, freezing a business’ accounts

• 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

 

Our team of expert financial crime lawyers will assist by scrutinising all evidence against you at the early stages to protect your interests during an HMRC investigation, and to avoid the commencement of criminal proceedings. Our specialist lawyers have experience in liaising and negotiating with agencies regularly involved in criminal investigations, including:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

• National Crime Agency (NCA)

• Serious Fraud Office (SFO)

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

• City of London Police

 

Why Choose Us?

 

Our team of financial crime lawyers can help you with:

• Advice and assistance during the VAT fraud investigation stage

• Immediate advice and representation at dawn raids

• Preparation of the defence case and expert representation in Court for VAT fraud

• Liaison and negotiation with the Prosecuting Authority

• Challenging proceedings brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

• Challenging the imposition of a Restraint Order and/or a Serious Crime Prevention Order

 

How do I pay for my legal fees?

 

Please contact us to discuss your circumstances and possible funding options. If you do not have the finances to pay for legal advice, you may be eligible for Legal Aid funding.

 

How to get in contact

 

If you are facing allegations for VAT fraud, do not delay and contact us on 020 7404 3004 to talk about your matter with our team. Alternatively, please email Paul O’Donnell at PaulO@ikpsolicitors.com. 

 

We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can assist wherever you are based and have offices in central London.