Initial Strategic Advice

Fixed-Fee Initial Advice on Serious HMRC Disputes

This service is designed for clients who need expert, independent advice at a decisive stage of a tax dispute with HMRC.

It is a paid, fixed-fee service.

It is not a free consultation and is not suitable for routine matters.

When This Service Is Appropriate

This service is intended for situations where:

  • You are already in dispute with HMRC, or expect to be shortly

  • HMRC has raised a discovery assessment, penalty, or adverse decision

  • The financial, professional, or reputational stakes are significant

  • You need clear advice on whether to litigate, settle, or challenge HMRC’s position

  • Early strategic decisions are likely to affect the outcome materially

It is commonly used by:

  • Business owners and entrepreneurs

  • Professionals (including dentists and contractors)

  • Accountants and advisers seeking litigation-level input

What the Advice Provides

The advice is structured, focused, and litigation-led. It typically includes:

  • Review of relevant correspondence, assessments, and supporting evidence

  • Analysis of the legal and procedural merits of your position

  • Identification of key risks, weaknesses, and pressure points

  • Advice on strategic options, including appeal, settlement, or judicial review

  • Clear guidance on next steps and likely trajectories

Written advice is provided with the aim of giving clarity and direction at an early stage of the dispute.

What This Service Is Not

This service is not:

  • General tax compliance advice

  • An informal preliminary call

  • A low-cost screening exercise

  • Suitable for speculative or low-value disputes

It is intended for matters where early expert analysis is likely to make a material difference.

Why Fixed Fee?

Tax disputes often stall because early advice is fragmented, overly cautious, or deferred until the dispute has escalated.

A fixed-fee structure allows for disciplined preparation and focused strategic advice at the stage when it is often most valuable.

The fee is agreed in advance and reflects the level of advice and input that is involved.

What Happens After the Advice

Following receipt of the advice, you may:

  • take no further action,

  • use the advice to instruct others, or

  • instruct me for further discrete or ongoing work.

There is no obligation to proceed beyond the initial advice.

Any further work is agreed separately and transparently.

How to Enquire

If you believe your matter may be suitable for fixed-fee initial advice, please complete the enquiry form with brief details of your situation.

I will confirm suitability and the fixed fee before any work is undertaken.

Regulatory Note

Michael Paulin is a barrister regulated by the Bar Standards Board and accepts instructions under the Direct Access scheme where appropriate.

Michael was nominated for the Legal 500 2025 ‘Tax Junior’ of the year award.