VAT
Clear, practical VAT advice that saves you time, reduces risk and maximises recovery.
VAT is one of the most complex areas of tax making it a significant area of risk and potential cost for many organisations. We work collaboratively with other internal teams to ensure your VAT advice aligns with your wider needs and goals.
Tailored solutions backed by 90 years of experience.
Our VAT team is led by partners Socrates Socratous and Kam Chauhan, who bring extensive experience from HMRC, practice and in-house roles.
The breadth of our client base means that whatever challenge you face, we’re likely to have dealt with it before, so we’re well positioned to find the right solution for your organisation.
Our services
VAT registration and recovery
We manage VAT registration, including VAT groups, cross-border registration and Making Tax Digital compliance. Our team advises on recovery and partial exemption methods, improves record-keeping and helps ensure accurate, efficient reporting.
VAT on transactions and reviews
Our VAT reviews and ‘health checks’ help identify risks, strengthen compliance and keep you aligned with HMRC requirements. We advise on how VAT applies to your income, contracts and transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, restructures and business transfers.
Property, capital projects and international VAT
We advise on VAT reliefs, the domestic reverse charge and recovery of VAT on property, construction and capital projects. For international operations, we support EU and global registration, imports and exports, and VAT on capital goods to minimise cost and maintain compliance.
HMRC disputes and tax tribunals
Our team manage all stages of HMRC disputes, from handling queries and assessments to negotiating settlements and minimising penalties. Where required, we work with Counsel to prepare and submit appeals to the First Tier Tribunal, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Sector expertise
VAT for charities
VAT is often one of the most significant costs for charities and not-for-profit organisations due to the complex rules that apply to their activities. Partner and Head of VAT, Socrates Socratous, brings over 35 years’ experience working with charities and membership bodies. Supported by our wider charity team, we help you manage VAT effectively, apply the right reliefs and find practical solutions that save time and money while ensuring compliance.
VAT for businesses and financial services
VAT affects every business, but the challenges are particularly complex in financial services, where issues such as exempt supplies, partial exemption and cross-border transactions are common. Kam Chauhan, Partner in our VAT team, has specialised in the sector for over 20 years and is highly experienced in resolving complex HMRC issues. We support banks, fintechs, insurers, investment firms and corporate groups to manage VAT risk, improve efficiency and reduce costs with confidence.
Why work with us?
We bring together decades of hands-on experience and deep sector knowledge to make VAT simpler, smarter and more strategic for you.
Trusted experience
Our team understands VAT from every angle, with experience across HMRC, practice and in-house roles. This breadth helps us identify issues early and deliver advice you can act on with confidence.
Sector-led insight
Our specialists advise across sectors including charities, education, property, finance and technology. This insight ensures our advice is grounded in real commercial and regulatory context.
Expertise under one roof
Working seamlessly with other teams in the firm, we integrate VAT with your wider business needs, so you get joined-up solutions that align with your organisation’s goals.
Forward-thinking support
We don’t just interpret the rules. We anticipate change. Our proactive approach keeps you ahead of HMRC developments and ensures your VAT position remains compliant and efficient over the long term.