Tax litigation and investigations

Joseph Hage Aaronson LLP

Client Satisfaction

Joseph Hage Aaronson LLP, a respected tax boutique, offers ‘incomparable experience of litigating major tax cases’, with a strong track record appearing before the First-Tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal, High Court, Court of Appeal, and the UK Supreme Court, as well as the CJEU. In addition to its aptitude for litigation, the firm handles arbitration and investigations, representing a diverse range of domestic and international clients in the full spectrum of contentious tax. Graham Aaronson KC, who ’needs little introduction’, co-leads alongside fellow founding partner Michael Anderson, whose practice covers both civil and criminal tax disputes. Simon Whitehead specialises in direct tax, while Iain MacWhannell is noted for his strength in VAT, in addition to a strong fraud/avoidance/abuse tax practice. Also key are Daniel Margolin KC, who has experience appearing before the Supreme Court, and Helen McGhee, noted for her aptitude in international tax disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Helen McGhee has excellent knowledge of private client tax and great expertise in handling disputes and litigation at all levels of the court system.’
‘THE top tier tax litigation firm in the UK. Incomparable experience of litigating major tax cases. Partners have unrivalled experience, knowledge and tactical nous.’
‘Iain MacWhannell is excellent. He is commercial and astute, but also personable. He is the go-to lawyer for major VAT cases.'
'Daniel Margolin KC is a class act. An excellent advocate who is calm under pressure. His advice is clear and succinct.'
'Graham Aaronson KC needs little introduction. His stellar reputation is well deserved. He is as sharp as a tack and his ability to recall detailed facts is astounding. He also has the ear of the judges, as they know they can rely on what he says. ’
‘The people make the practice unique, vast experience and knowledge in dealing with these complex investigations. Knowledge of how HMRC work is key in negotiating. ’
‘Helen McGhee is very knowledgeable, has vast experience and is excellent in negotiating with both the end client and HMRC, explaining things clearly and concisely. Very approachable and always willing to help in all situations. ’
‘Helen McGhee has an outstanding understanding of complex tax situations and writes correspondence with clarity and poise.’

Key clients

British American Tobacco PLC
Prudential PLC
AXA PLC
Fidelity International
Ford Motor Company
GKN Aerospace Limited
‘The VAT Umbrella Appeals’
ABRDN PLC
Shield Contract Services (UK) Limited
Dandara Group
Sports Invest Ltd

Work highlights

Acting as Lead Solicitors in the Franked Investment Income GLO, advising 17 multinationals in their challenge to the UK's dividend taxation scheme.
Representing over 24,000 Mini Umbrella Companies in their appeals to the Tax Tribunal against assessments to VAT, National Insurance Contributions, and VAT de-registration.
Acting on behalf of over 170 multinational businesses seeking repayment of unlawfully levied tax on foreign portfolio dividend income following the successful decision in the Supreme Court in the Prudential case.

Lawyers

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