Protecting your business, assets and future.
We help business owners, company directors and professionals accused of HMRC tax or VAT fraud achieve clarity and control by challenging allegations, building robust evidence, and securing the best possible defence outcome. Our goal is to protect your livelihood, your reputation, and your family and help you avoid devastating financial and criminal consequences.
Defence
HMRC Tax and VAT Fraud Defence Specialists
HMRC tax and VAT fraud allegations can stop you in your tracks: overwhelmed with the stress, fear and uncertainty you’re facing. With the potential for asset restraint, substantial financial penalties, director disqualification, a criminal record or even a custodial sentence, securing a solid defence is essential from the outset.
With a team of skilled HMRC tax and VAT fraud specialists, Ashmans Solicitors are here to assist, whether:
- You’re under investigation by HM Revenue & Customs or facing charges for tax evasion, VAT fraud or related offences
- You want to protect your rights and ensure a fair and lawful investigative process
- You want a strategic legal defence from a strong yet sensitive team of experts
With Ashmans, you never need to feel alone. We’re in your corner at every stage, fearlessly fighting for the best possible outcomes.
HMRC Tax and VAT Fraud and the Law
Under England and Wales law, tax and VAT fraud are criminal offences prosecuted primarily under the Fraud Act 2006, the Value Added Tax Act 1994, and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
- Knowingly providing false information in tax returns or accounts.
- Deliberate non-payment or underpayment of tax due to dishonest conduct.
- Submitting fraudulent VAT reclaims or manipulating accounting records.
- Acted dishonestly and intended to deceive HMRC or gain an advantage.
- Made or submitted false representations relating to tax liabilities.
- Benefited personally or caused financial loss to the public revenue.
Investigations are commonly led by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, sometimes alongside the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), National Crime Agency (NCA), or Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Evidence can include company bank statements, correspondence, invoices, audit trails, and witness testimony from accountants or employees. These cases often involve forensic accounting and digital tracing of funds.
Our fraud defence experts know precisely how to analyse such material, expose procedural failings, and contest every aspect of the prosecution’s evidence.
Essential actions against accusations
From the moment of accusation or upon the launch of an HMRC investigation, your actions can influence the outcome of your tax or VAT fraud case. Take our advice and follow these steps:
Act fast, engage Ashmans, protect your future.
Do NOT contact HMRC officers directly, approach potential witnesses, or discuss the matter with colleagues or online anything you say can be used in evidence.
Even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong, do NOT attend an HMRC interview under caution or provide written explanations without your legal specialist present.
With 24/7 availability, Ashmans is always here to provide urgent legal protection and strategic guidance from the outset of an enquiry or criminal investigation.
Secure accounting records, VAT returns, correspondence, invoices and digital data. Do not alter or destroy documents, as this can amount to a separate criminal offence.
If you are subject to bail, compelled interviews, production orders or restraint proceedings, follow all conditions carefully and leave your defence strategy in your solicitor’s hands.
Three simple steps
to your Defence
Content
Step 1:
Initial Consultation
We assess your situation confidentially and explain your legal options.
Step 2:
Strategic Defence Planning
We build a detailed roadmap tailored to your financial and personal circumstances.
Step 3:
Expert Legal Representation
We stand by you through every HMRC interview, hearing, and potential trial.
Our Testimonials
Real stories. Real results
See how Ashmans has successfully supported previous clients and listen to what they have to say about our HMRC tax and VAT fraud legal support.
Remarkable Support During a Devastating Ordeal
During one of the most devastating experiences of my life, Ashmans Solicitors provided unwavering support when I needed it most.…
Reliable and Professional Legal Support
I found Ashmans Solicitors to be completely on-point and highly professional throughout my case. Their expertise and straightforward approach gave…
Outstanding Support and Professional Representation
I couldn’t have asked for a better legal representative. Ashmans Solicitors truly believed in my case and made a difficult…
Expert Legal Defence That Turned My Case Around
I was falsely accused after my ex-business partners staged a blackmail attempt, leading to false allegations of sexual offences and…
Relentless Defence Leading to Justice
I was wrongly charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and sent for trial at Manchester Crown Court.…
Outstanding Legal Support in Serious Drug Case
I turned to Ashmans Solicitors when my sister was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. From the very…
Exceptional Expertise in Complex Criminal Fraud Cases
As a barrister with over 20 years of experience handling complex and high-value criminal fraud matters, I have worked alongside…
Relentless Commitment and Professionalism in Complex Cases
I have worked with Ashmans Solicitors on several high-profile and complex criminal cases, and their dedication to their clients is…
Clear and Honest Legal Guidance
I really appreciated how Ashmans Solicitors handled my case with clarity and honesty. They spoke to me in a straightforward…
Brilliant Representation Leading to Not Guilty Verdict
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Ashmans Solicitors for their exceptional handling of my fraud by misrepresentation case,…
Above and Beyond Legal Support and Service
I received excellent service from Ashmans Solicitors and couldn’t be more satisfied with the support they provided. Their professionalism and…
Exceptional Legal Support and Top-Tier Service
I can confidently say that Ashmans Solicitors are the best solicitors I’ve worked with. Their professionalism, dedication, and top-quality service…
Top Notch Legal Support and Guidance
I received excellent support from Ashmans Solicitors throughout my case. Their professionalism and dedication made a real difference, and I…
Brilliant Legal Assistance Throughout My Legal Battle
I received excellent service from Ashmans Solicitors during my case. Their professionalism and dedication made a real difference, and I…
Outstanding Legal Assistance in Complex Case
I received exceptional support from Ashmans Solicitors during my case. They guided me through every step and provided the help…
Professional Excellence in Legal Battle
I’ve always received great service from Ashmans Solicitors, and this time was no different. Their professionalism and reliability continue to…
Consistent Excellence in Legal Support
I have turned to Ashmans Solicitors every time I’ve needed legal help, and I’m always amazed by how well they…
Remarkable Legal Guidance and Genuine Care
I’m truly grateful to Ashmans Solicitors for their outstanding service. Their professional advice was invaluable, and I genuinely appreciated the…
Extraordinary Support and Kindness Throughout My Case
I found Ashmans Solicitors to be absolutely brilliant. They were incredibly helpful and genuinely kind throughout the process, always making…
Swift and Reliable Support in False Complaint Case
I had an amazing experience with Ashmans Solicitors when I faced a false complaint against me. They provided immediate support…
Move Quickly,
Choose Wisely
When confronted with an HMRC tax or VAT fraud allegation, failure to act quickly and secure expert legal defence leaves you at risk of serious consequences:
- A criminal record can severely damage your professional standing, directorships, financial stability and future prospects.
- Account freezing orders, restraint orders or confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act can devastate your personal and business finances.
- Lengthy HMRC investigations bring sustained stress, disruption and reputational harm.
- Custodial sentences can result in loss of liberty, director disqualification and regulatory bans.
- A successful tax or VAT fraud prosecution can permanently affect your credibility and commercial future.
You’re not alone, we’re here to help.
HMRC Tax and VAT Fraud Allegations
The Ashmans Approach
Our methodical, client-centred approach ensures that every detail is analysed, every weakness exploited, and every opportunity pursued.
- We ensure you never attend an interview unrepresented.
- Prepare full disclosure requests to understand the case against you.
- Prevent self-incrimination through strategic advice.
- Challenge restrictive bail terms that limit business activity.
- Negotiate adjustments to allow continued company management.
- Ensure compliance to avoid additional charges.
- Liaise directly with HMRC and CPS before charging decisions.
- Present evidence of legitimate trading or accounting error.
- Argue for civil settlement rather than criminal prosecution.
- Challenge restraint and freezing orders affecting accounts.
- Oppose production or search orders lacking legal basis.
- Apply for variation or discharge of overbroad financial orders.
- Work with forensic accountants to interpret complex ledgers.
- Expose procedural errors and breaches of investigative powers.
- Develop clear, persuasive defence narratives for the jury.
- Present mitigation to reduce penalties.
- Advise on appeals and confiscation proceedings.
- Support clients rebuilding their businesses post-case.
Why Choose Ashmans?
Proven Record
We have defended hundreds of high-value HMRC and VAT fraud cases nationwide.
Experts in Business & Regulatory Crime
Recognised specialists providing tactical and technical excellence.
24/7 Support
Immediate response day or night when investigators arrive
Our Notable Cases
Serious charges, successful results.
Our HMRC tax and VAT fraud solicitors have represented clients across a range of complex investigations and prosecutions – see examples of our work and the results we’ve achieved.
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Sexual offences
Charges Dropped
Strategic Defence Secures Justice for Wrongly Accused Businessman
R v IR, Birmingham Crown Court
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Not Guilty Verdict
Conspiracy to Murder: A Complex Acquittal
R v CT, Teesside Crown Court
Our client was among seven defendants who were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, and faced the possibility of a mandatory life sentence. After a…
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Not Guilty Verdict
Acquittal in High-Stakes Conspiracy to Murder Case
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Our client faced a conspiracy to murder charge following a fatal stabbing. Despite significant complexities, the jury unanimously acquitted our client. This particularly complex case…
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Acquittal in High-Profile Leeds Murder Investigation
R v AB, Leeds Crown Court
Our client was one of five defendants charged with assisting an offender, in a highly publicised murder investigation. She faced allegations of aiding her son,…
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Serious and complex crime
Charges Reduced
Charges Reduced Through Strategic Defence
R v SG, Leeds Crown Court
This case involved a middle-aged lady of previous good character and a professional background, who was accused of the attempted murder of her partner, by stabbing.…
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Serious and complex crime
Charges Dropped
Wrongly Accused: Armed Robbery Charges Dismissed
R v YN, Derby Crown Court
Our client faced serious allegations of involvement in Multiple Armed robberies across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, allegedly using firearms to steal high-value vehicles. Despite being…
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Serious and complex crime
Charges Dropped
Strategic Defence Secures Discontinuation in Fatal Collision Case
R v TA, Leeds Crown Court
Our client [the defendant] faced serious allegations of conspiring to pervert the course of justice in connection with a fatal road traffic collision. Following strategic…
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Serious and complex crime
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Exoneration in High-Stakes Armed Robbery Allegation
R v LA & Others, Leeds Crown Court
Our client faced two charges of assisting an offender contrary to Section 4(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1967. These charges stemmed from allegations of…
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Motoring offences
Charges Reduced
Dangerous Driving Allegation Involving Police Officer Successfully Reduced
R v ZM, Bradford Crown Court
Our client, who was previously of good character, faced allegations of Dangerous Driving, amongst other offences. The alleged victim was a fully uniformed police officer,…
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Motoring offences
Ban Avoided
Exceptional Hardship Defence Saves Doctor’s Driving Licence
R v NG, Bradford Magistrates
Our client, a doctor, faced multiple charges for speeding and failing to comply with statutory notices to provide driver details. We successfully negotiated with the…
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Fraud and financial crime
Sentence Suspended
Forged Titles and Negotiated Justice
R v SA & Others, Peterborough Crown Court
Our client, along with a co-defendant, faced serious allegations involving large-scale fraud, money laundering, and related offences. The Prosecution claimed that our client had devised…
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Fraud and financial crime
Sentence Suspended
Logistics Fraud Defence: Suspended Sentence Secured
R v CV, Leeds Crown Court
We successfully defended our client, a company owner, who faced charges of fraud by false representation and theft, achieving a suspended sentence. This case underscored…
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Fraud and financial crime
Sentence Reduced
Fraud by False Representation – Local Councillor Case
R v SA, Snaresbrook Crown Court
This was a highly publicised case involving allegations of fraud by false representation against our client, a sitting local councillor from the London Borough of…
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Fraud and financial crime
Sentence Reduced
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Involving Forged Cheques
R v ASY, Leeds Crown Court
Our client faced charges of conspiracy to commit fraud involving forged cheques. This was a classic ‘long firm fraud’ (also known as a consumer credit fraud). The…
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Fraud and financial crime
Not Guilty Verdict
Acquittal Secured in £40 Million Mortgage Fraud Case
R v TC & Others, Operation Aquamarine, Southwark Crown Court
We achieved a unanimous ‘not-guilty’ verdict for our client who was accused of participating in a £40 million mortgage fraud conspiracy against Barclays Private Client…
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Urgent Legal Assistance
Seek Immediate
Legal Support Today
Don’t waste time worrying. Contact our specialist business crime and regulatory defence lawyers for immediate protection and strategic legal guidance today.
- Expert defence against HMRC tax investigations and VAT fraud allegations.
- Responsive 24/7 legal support when it matters most.
- Strategic solutions tailored to your case and commercial realities.
Our trusted accreditations
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