Michael Thomas advises and litigates in relation to all areas of the UK tax code. His practice covers business tax, private client work and VAT. He has a particular interest in property tax and has advised on some of the UK’s largest real estate transactions and development projects.

It has been said that “he has a strong tax record of success in tax litigation”, is “ahead of the game when it comes to property taxation” and “the go-to man for stamp duty land tax.” Michael sits on the tax committee of The Country Landowners Association.

When litigating Michael is mindful that the best result for a client rarely involves a contested hearing. He has a strong track record of achieving favourable outcomes without a trial including in relation to VAT (where a 7- figure repayment was received by a FTSE 100 company) and on employment taxes (where HMRC rescinded an assessment of several hundred thousand pounds following an internal review).

Michael has significant experience of litigating the application of anti-avoidance rules.

His litigation practice also includes defending professional negligence actions, ligating tax deed claims and acting in civil fraud investigations under code of practice 9.