The VAT and indirect tax team at Baker McKenzie is ‘renowned for its deep industry knowledge.’ Its expertise spans contentious VAT investigations, disputes, advisory and structuring. Contentious VAT-expert David Jamieson heads up the practice and specialises in VAT disputes for clients in the financial services and e-commerce sectors. Key members of the practice include Mark Delaney, who oversees the firm’s tax group and boasts expertise in UK, EU, and global VAT and indirect tax law, and Mark Agnew, whose expertise lies in financial services VAT. Adam Peacock frequently handles VAT work relating to the real estate and financial sectors. Kathryn Sewell is adept at handling VAT planning and structuring, as well as HMRC indirect tax disputes.

Praised for its ‘great expertise in dealing with complex SDLT matters‘, Clifford Chance LLP is highly regarded for its aptitude in handling indirect tax issues relating to major transactions, including those in the real estate sector. Its broad sector expertise spans securitisation, finance, funds, corporate, insolvency, insurance, energy and healthcare. David Saleh heads up the practice and regularly handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, with key strength in SDLT cases. Simon Corzberg is active in numerous sectors, including real estate, finance, insurance, and energy. Edward Page is highly skilled in advising clients on tax aspects of M&A, joint ventures, and cross-border investments.

With notable strength in real estate tax, Ashurst also advises on the taxation of funds, infrastructure, and financial institutions. The team is spearheaded by Simon Swann, and benefits from his extensive knowledge of stamp duty land tax and other real estate tax matters, in both a development and investment context. Nicholas Gardner focuses his practice on corporate and private equity transactions in the energy, transport, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Paul Miller is a key contact for securitisations, hybrid securities, and debt capital markets matters. Tim Gummer is active in the corporate tax area, in particular regarding European corporate real estate matters. Patricia Allen‘s expertise lies in the taxation of funds and private equity transactions, while Mark Spinney brings infrastructure M&A expertise.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner oversees a range of VAT and indirect tax matters in the context of real estate transactions, litigation, business acquisitions, and planning agreements. Other areas of focus include complex SDLT matters and customs duties disputes. Head of global tax Elizabeth Bradley and head of VAT Alan Sinyor  jointly oversee the tax advice and controversy practice. Sinyor’s expertise lies in VAT, SDLT and customs duties, while Bradley’s knowledge of tax relating to finance, corporate M&A, funds and real estate is strong. Key names include Kate Ison, who is highlighted for her skills in contentious matters, and Andy West, whose work largely comes from clients in a range of real estate sectors. Kyle O’Sullivan, previously of Slaughter and May, was welcomed to the firm in April 2024.

With a broad sector focus, CMS’ tax practice boasts expertise in sector-relevant tax issues from the retail, real estate, corporate, and energy sectors, among others. Co-head Stephen Hignett has exceptional knowledge of the TV, music, and gambling sectors. Hignett jointly leads the practice alongside Aaron Fairhurst. International tax expert Anna Burchner is qualified in England, Wales and Hungary. Key members of the practice also include Jacob Gilkes, who specialises in real estate transactions; Lauren Alder, who focuses her practice on the real estate sector, and Phil Anderson, who also handles the VAT and SDLT implications arising from real estate transactions. Mark Whiteside joined the firm in August 2023 from Brabners LLP.

In the VAT and indirect tax space, DLA Piper are active in both the consultancy and contentious work. Specific areas of focus include VAT issues stemming from the e-commerce, online gambling, financial services, insurance, and property sectors. The practice is overseen by Richard Woolich whose stellar expertise sees him handling a range of real estate transactions. Key players in the practice include tax controversy and disputes expert Stuart Walsh, as well as Clara Boyd, who is a key contact for corporates requiring support with VAT and indirect tax disputes with HMRC.

The tax practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is praised for its ‘deep knowledge of the market, especially the financial services, funds, and real estate industries.’ Its expertise spans the full ambit of VAT, stamp tax, and IPT. The group's sector expertise extends to the real estate, financial services, and energy industries, among others. Highly reputed Sandy Bhogal leads the practice and boasts a broad range of tax expertise. Ben Fryer supports the practice and is regularly tasked with a variety of domestic and cross-border mandates.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP capitalises on its full-service structure and broad expertise to provide its clients with holistic expertise in real estate, energy, and investment fund matters involving indirect taxes. William Arrenberg oversees the firm’s global tax practice, and specialises in real estate tax and transactions in the energy sector. Howard Murray is highlighted for his extensive corporate tax expertise, particularly in contentious matters. Casey Dalton is also a name to name for real estate and funds tax expertise. Isaac Zailer left the firm in February 2023.

Pinsent Masons LLP is praised for its diverse tax capabilities in both transactional matters and general advice, as well as being ‘well versed in tax disputes litigation.’ Its broad expertise also includes rarer indirect taxes, such as landfill tax, aggregates levy, plastic packaging tax and customs duties. The practice is jointly led by Steven Porter, who oversees the disputes work, and Eloise Walker, who specialises in corporate-focused matters. Sam Wardleworth supports the practice and is a key contact for disputes with HMRC. Jake Landman is also a key name to note from the group. Bryn Reynolds joined the firm in 2023 from Simmons & Simmons. Andrew Sackey departed in 2024.

PwC LLP is distinguished by its multidisciplinary team of tax specialists, which includes solicitors and chartered tax accountants. The team is sought out for its expertise in both contentious and non-contentious indirect tax matters, with a client base which includes large multinationals, public sector organisations, and professional bodies. Practice head David Anderson has extensive experience handling indirect tax disputes, including VAT refund settlements. Victor Cramer has strength in ADR, and is highlighted for his significant EU and UK VAT expertise.

Full-service firm RPC provides its clients with extensive tax expertise, and has particular strength in disputes, including investigations and judicial review cases. The team is distinguished by its aptitude in the sports and entertainment sectors. Adam Craggs sits at the head of the practice and specialises in criminal tax investigations regarding alleged VAT fraud. Robert Waterson is a highlight of the team and regularly works on cross-border VAT disputes and regularly leads negotiations with tax authorities. Michelle Sloane is highlighted for her experience handling HMRC investigations and prosecutions.

Bark&co is well known for its strength in fraud and white collar crime, but additionally handles tax investigations and litigation involving VAT and excise duty. Its expertise fully equips the firm to handle VAT tribunals, HMRC interventions, seizures, and searches. Founding partner Giles Bark-Jones heads up the practice, which benefits from his significant experience handling VAT frauds and HMRC disputes.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s VAT and indirect tax expertise is sought out by a variety of clients in the financial services, technology, real estate and special institutions sectors. It regularly undertakes matters involving real estate tax, funds VAT, charity-related VAT and indirect tax disputes. Ben Jones heads up the practice, which benefits from his expertise in both advisory and transactional tax matters. Paul Beausang ably supports the team whilst also overseeing the real estate tax practice. Highly rated Edward Griffiths is also a key name with extensive expertise in VAT matters. Former-head Giles Salmond left the practice in November 2023, while Robert Waterson joined in October 2024.

Mayer Brown International LLP is well regarded for its capabilities in matters involving cross-border VAT. Key areas of focus for the practice include supply chain structuring and IPT, as well as indirect tax issues arising from real estate transactions. James Hill helms the practice and is heavily involved in the firm’s significant transactions involving tax structuring elements. Kitty Swanson is an asset to the practice and is well versed at handling international supply chain structuring matters.

At Norton Rose Fulbright the tax practice frequently advises on the VAT issues arising from M&A and funds transactions, as well as VAT issues relating to major restructurings. Global head of tax Dominic Stuttaford jointly oversees the practice alongside Matthew Hodkin, who is head of the London tax team. Hodkin is heavily involved in the renewable energy industry, while Stuttaford is active in the insurance and technology sectors.

Simmons & Simmons is 'notable for its agility and unequalled client focus'. As well as specialising in VAT, the group also handles matters involving landfill tax, customs duties, IPT and the CBAM. Jo Crookshank is responsible for leading the practice and is sought after for her experience assisting clients with disputes before the tax authorities, as well as her TMT sector knowledge. Key names in the practice to note include Richard Harvey, whose strength lies in contentious tax, and Katie Oliver, who is well versed in VAT exemptions and registration.

Stephenson Harwood boasts a myriad of real estate tax experts, with significant depth of knowledge in real estate structuring and transactions. Its contentious offering covers investigations, enquiries, and private settlements with HMRC. John Meehan heads up the group, which benefits from his expertise in funds, M&A, and structuring mandates, as well as VAT and stamp duty matters.