Numerous issues arise for our clients as a result of such increased scrutiny. In the UK some investigations are conducted on an informal basis; other investigations are more formal and are based on wide ranging powers to obtain information. In some cases, it is possible to anticipate a challenge and apply for advance clearance on the issue; in cases where no such clearance is available, clients need to know what safeguards they can introduce to minimise risk. Some investigations break new ground and become test cases; others concern historic legislation which has long since been amended.
In all of these cases clients are faced with an unwanted distraction from their main business. Clients can also be faced with costly compliance obligations and, in some cases, litigation which can take years to resolve.
Drawing on the firm's leading
dispute resolution practice and unparalleled litigation experience, Lovells offers tax dispute resolution services tailored to demands of clients who can call upon experts in particular areas of tax law as well as property, finance, corporate and litigation specialists. Lovells' international tax network also ensures that clients in one jurisdiction can be satisfied that any tax litigation or investigation taking place in another country or continent can be co-ordinated and reported by their local Lovells contacts, an efficiency which has a real cost benefit to clients worldwide.