Were you a client of Hawkins Ryan Solicitors or Benson Mazure Solicitors or any firm of solicitors who advised you to enter in to a Stamp Duty Land Tax avoidance scheme?
In March, we reported on the judgement of the First-Tier Tax Tribunal in the case of Crest Nicholson.
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Crest Nicholson Case: Speed read
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We understand that, subsequent to obtaining judgement in the Crest Nicholson case, HMRC have issued demands to a number of individuals and companies who engaged in Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes.
We are aware that between 2010 and 2013 Hawkins Ryan Solicitors and Benson Mazure Solicitors (acting separately) acted in at least 302 conveyancing transactions involving Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes. Many of these Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes are now the subject of adverse determinations by HMRC.
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Types of Schemes Promoted: Speed read
This list is not exhaustive. There were a number of other schemes used and promoted by Inventive Tax Strategies Limited and other such companies. |
Both Hawkins Ryan Solicitors and Benson Mazure were the subject of a Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Investigation for their role in the promotion of Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes. The outcome of those investigations can be accessed here:
- Hawkins Ryan Solicitors (decision 50894).
- Benson Mazure Solicitors (decision 469168).
How we can help
We currently represent a number of clients who were advised to use Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes. We can, and have, assisted clients in negotiating settlement with HMRC following adverse determinations or enquiries.
In addition to helping clients with HMRC determinations or enquiries, where possible, we have also assisted in getting them compensation. Firms of solicitors, such as Hawkins Ryan Solicitors and Benson Mazure Solicitors, who provided advice in relation to Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes, owed a duty of care to provide honest and open advice on the risks associated with entering in to a Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Scheme. Many such professionals provided overly optimistic or no advice on the risks of Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes. In such circumstances, a professional negligence claim may exist.
