Category: Appeal Process and Procedure

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Winning on Appeal: Reversing Judicial Errors in Coghlan v Lexlaw [2026]

In complex civil litigation, lower courts can commit critical procedural errors, such as deciding an application based on arguments that were never formally pleaded by the parties. As demonstrated by the High Court’s ruling today in Arran Coghlan & Anor v Lexlaw Ltd, an appellate strategy that holds a lower court to the boundaries of civil procedure can successfully reverse an irregular judgment.

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Defeating HMRC’s £1m VAT Assessment

LEXLAW forced HMRC to withdraw a near £1m VAT best judgment assessment after we demonstrated it had been issued against the wrong taxable person. A historic VAT registration error by HMRC lay at the root of the dispute. Our legal investigation with specialist tax counsel secured HMRC’s total defeat before trial.

Ultimate Guide to HMRC Discovery Assessments: How to Challenge & Appeal (2026)

HMRC discovery assessments can arrive years after you filed, but many are successfully challenged. This guide explains the legal framework, grounds of appeal, and how to protect your position in 2026.

Personal Liability Notices (PLNs) Guide 2026: What Directors Need to Know

Personal Liability Notices (PLNs) are a powerful HMRC enforcement mechanism that can make company directors and officers personally liable for unpaid corporate tax debts, including PAYE, National Insurance Contributions, VAT, and CIS. In 2026, PLNs are increasingly used in insolvency and enforcement scenarios, placing directors’ personal assets and professional futures at direct risk.

Expert VAT penalty defence guide by LEXLAW. Learn how UK tribunals assess “reasonable excuse,” when it applies, excluded grounds, case law insights, and how to maximise your chances of success against HMRC.

How to Appeal HMRC VAT Penalties: “Reasonable Excuse” Defence Guide 2025

Expert guide to VAT “reasonable excuse” defences. Learn how to successfully challenge HMRC penalties, surcharges & late filing penalties with proven legal strategies from specialist tax dispute solicitors.