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Freezing order

05 December 2011
Issue: 4333 / Categories: Tax cases
CRC v Cozens and others, Chancery Division

HMRC believed the taxpayer was involved with a large-scale fraud. The department applied successfully for a worldwide freezing order against him.

The taxpayer said he had not known a fraud was taking place and the freezing order should be barred under FA 1994, s 12(4)(b). The Chancery Division judge ruled the order should continue because:

  • HMRC had a good arguable case for the order to continue;
  • any administrative failures on the part of the Revenue were insufficient grounds to discharge the order;
  • there was a danger that the taxpayer would otherwise put his assets beyond the reach of HMRC; and
  • there was no evidence of serious prejudice to the taxpayer if the order continued.

 

Issue: 4333 / Categories: Tax cases
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