Frank Strachan launches tax dispute team at Edwin Coe

Frank Strachan has joined Edwin Coe from LSG Solicitors.

He leads the tax disputes team which specialises in advising clients who are subjected to challenges by the tax authorities, as well as advising high-net-worth clients and families wishing to ensure that their tax affairs are suitable for their needs.

Frank is recognised as one of the leading practitioners in this specialised field and works closely with other members of the Private Client Group to offer a comprehensive service to private clients. He is ably supported within the tax team by Sean Bannister and Ashley Fletcher.

Frank has 20 years’ experience in tax dispute matters and is an experienced tax dispute resolution practitioner. His detailed knowledge of HMRC’s practices and procedures means that he is able to achieve excellent settlement terms for clients.

With a wide breadth of experience in representing both personal and corporate clients subject to enquiry, Frank’s investigations experience covers cases ranging:

Prosecution defence work
Special Investigations – Code of Practice 9/CDF
Specialist Investigations – Code of Practice 8
Complex Personal Return team investigations
Ultra High Net Worth Unit investigations
Status enquiries
National Minimum Wage investigations
Local tax district enquiries

In addition to working in the UK, Frank has spent many years working in offshore jurisdictions advising offshore service providers and their clients in respect of challenges from HMRC. The length of time spent overseas advising clients provides Frank with a market leading understanding of the offshore market both in respect of the advisors but also their clients. Frank is regularly introduced by offshore wealth providers to their clients who are seeking a better understanding of their UK tax requirements.

In more recent years, Frank has become one of the UKs foremost practitioners in representing clients who are considering applying for one of HMRC’s offshore amnesties. Frank has successfully advised many clients who wished to enter into the Offshore Disclosure Facility (ODF); the New Disclosure Opportunity (NDO), and the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility (LDF).He has also been party to consultation discussions with HMRC regarding the Swiss/UK tax agreement.

Applying a practical approach to resolving often complex matters has meant that Frank has successfully negotiated many settlements for clients subject to detailed investigations in respect of their residence and domicile positions. He has represented numerous high profile clients in the sports and media world. Managers and agents trust Frank to resolve matters quickly and practically whilst ensuring that the utmost discretion is afforded to their client’s affairs.

Frank is an active member of ICAEW’s Tax Investigations Practitioners Group. He is also a regular conference speaker on tax dispute matters and is widely quoted in both the national and trade press on tax related matters.