Managing Tax Risk

Effective tax risk management is central to operating in an increasingly transparent and data‑driven environment. Tax authorities are more sophisticated, reporting obligations continue to expand and expectations around governance and accountability are rising. Against this backdrop, clients need a clear understanding of their tax risk position and the confidence that it can withstand scrutiny from HMRC, regulators and other stakeholders.

We help clients assess their tax risk position, identify areas of exposure and put in place measures that strengthen control and reduce uncertainty. Our work includes reviewing policies, procedures and governance frameworks to ensure they remain effective, current and aligned with tax authority expectations.

Where weaknesses or gaps are identified, we advise on practical improvements, including refining processes, strengthening documentation and establishing clearer lines of responsibility and escalation. Our focus is on solutions that are proportionate and capable of operating in practice.

We also assist clients in reviewing structures and historic positions to identify potential tax risk. This includes addressing legacy issues, correcting errors and managing voluntary disclosures in a controlled and defensible way.

Tax risk frequently arises in complex areas such as cross‑border structures, VAT, landfill tax and other indirect taxes, where liability depends on detailed factual analysis, systems and accounting treatment. We work with clients to assess these risks and ensure that positions are aligned with operational reality and capable of withstanding HMRC scrutiny.

We support clients in evaluating uncertain tax positions, including analysis of technical and factual issues and determining the most defensible approach. This includes advising on stakeholder engagement, provisioning and disclosure where required.

Economic Crime and Tax Risk

Tax risk frequently overlaps with wider economic crime risk, particularly in areas involving tax evasion, facilitation risk and fraud. Regulators and tax authorities expect organisations to demonstrate that their systems and controls are effective in preventing misuse by employees, counterparties or other associated persons.

We advise on the interaction between tax risk and financial crime obligations, including circumstances where tax issues may trigger reporting requirements or escalate into regulatory or criminal concerns. Where issues are identified, whether through internal review, whistleblower reports or external enquiry, we assist in assessing exposure and determining how the matter should be managed.

We also support clients in implementing risk‑based procedures designed to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion, including measures aligned with the Corporate Criminal Offence regime. This includes assessing the adequacy of existing controls, identifying gaps and implementing proportionate improvements.

Our aim is to help clients manage tax risk in a structured and practical way, strengthening governance and ensuring that positions are clear, defensible and capable of withstanding external scrutiny.