Tax Disputes within Commercial Disputes

Michelle Sloane is a Partner specialising in the resolution of tax disputes and financial crime. She advises both corporates and individuals on complex tax enquiries, tax assessments and criminal investigations.

Michelle has particular expertise in relation to VAT, and customs and excise duty disputes. Michelle has in-depth experience of high value appeals at all levels including before the Tax Tribunals, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and Court of Justice of the European Union. Her expertise includes Judicial Review proceedings scrutinising HMRC’s conduct.

She also advises those facing HMRC criminal investigations, allegations of participating in missing trader intra-community fraud and assists clients manage urgent issues such as HMRC "dawn raids".

Before moving to the UK in 2006, Michelle worked for the New Zealand government as a tax investigator and legal adviser to the tax investigations team where she gained valuable insight into the decision making process of revenue authorities.

Recent work highlights

HMRC dropping a five-year criminal investigation into NUFC.

HMRC dropping a criminal investigation into high-net-worth individuals in respect of issue connected to Paradise Papers.

HMRC withdrawing PLC's £50m excise and VAT civil assessments following our representations.

Honorary legal advisor to the Bonded Warehousekeepers Association

Secretary to the Customs Practitioners Group

Women In Tax

Fraud Lawyers Association (Committee Member)

Female Fraud Forum (Secretary).