Former HMRC tax investigator joins Pierce chartered accountants

A former HMRC senior tax inspector is joining Pierce chartered accountants to support clients facing disputes that could potentially cost them millions of pounds.

Tax dispute consultant Stephen Outhwaite will work with new and existing Pierce clients in the North West as they face a period of heightened tax scrutiny.

HMRC is running a number of campaigns in the region, including a clampdown on VAT fraud and the beneficiaries of tax avoidance schemes linked to property and film production.

Mr Outhwaite, 53, worked in senior roles with HMRC for 25 years, conducting investigations which led to multi-million pound tax settlements and prosecutions.

Since leaving HMRC, he has worked on behalf of a number of private and corporate clients to support them in negotiations with HMRC.

An increasing number of clients are proactively seeking to make HMRC aware of their tax affairs in order to mitigate against the risk of punitive future tax demands.

Pierce is also offering specialist tax advice to other professional services companies in the region, including other accountancy practices, firms of solicitors and financial advisors.

Mr Outhwaite said: “Receiving an unexpected HMRC tax demand can be a daunting experience and the tax dispute service I will be offering on behalf of Pierce aims to provide reassurance and support at what is a very difficult time.

“Through negotiation, it is often possible to reduce the financial burden that clients potentially face. Many people are also now choosing to make sure that their tax affairs are in order in advance of a visit from HMRC.

“I’m delighted to be able to support Pierce clients in working towards a more favourable outcome at what can be a difficult time.

“We are also open for business for tax investigations to help other intermediaries whose clients have specialist tax requirements.”

Nadeem Hussain, head of tax services at Pierce, said: “Steve is a great addition to the Pierce team and will be a real asset in supporting individuals and businesses facing specialist tax issues.

“Steve’s time with HMRC means that he brings insight and experience that could make a crucial difference in securing a positive outcome.” A Preston North End fan, Steve lives in Harrogate and lectures on tax matters to members of professional bodies.