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Contact: michael.firth@taxbar.com
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M3: Categorisation and listing
Requirement for initial categorisation
(1) When the Tribunal receives a notice of appeal, application notice or notice of reference, the Tribunal must give a direction--
(a) in…a CAA case, allocating the case to one of the categories set out in paragraph (2)(c) or (d); and
(b) in any other case, allocating the case to one of the categories set out in paragraph (2).
(2) The categories referred to in paragraph (1) are--
(a) Default Paper cases, which will usually be disposed of without a hearing;
(b) Basic cases, which will usually be disposed of after a hearing, with minimal exchange of documents before the hearing;
(c) Standard cases, which will usually be subject to more detailed case management and be disposed of after a hearing; and
(d) Complex cases, in respect of which see paragraphs (4) and (5) below.” (FTT Rules, r.23(1) – (2)).
Re-categorisation
“(3) The Tribunal may give a further direction re-allocating a case to a different category at any time, either on the application of a party or on its own initiative.” (FTT Rules, r.23(3)).
Default Paper categorisation
- Appellant’s written reply
(1) This rule applies to Default Paper cases.
(2) The appellant may send or deliver a written reply to the Tribunal so that it is received within 30 days after the date on which the respondent sent to the appellant the statement of case to which the reply relates.
(3) The appellant's reply may--
(a) set out the appellant's response to the respondent's statement of case;
(b) provide any further information (including, where appropriate, copies of the documents containing such information) which has not yet been provided to the Tribunal and is relevant to the case; and
(c) contain a request that the case be dealt with at a hearing.
(4) The appellant must send or deliver a copy of any reply provided under paragraph (2) to each respondent at the same time as it is provided to the Tribunal.
(5) If the appellant provides a reply to the Tribunal later than the time required by paragraph (2) or by any extension allowed under rule 5(3)(a) (power to extend time), the reply must include a request for an extension of time and the reason why the reply was not provided in time.” (FTT Rules, r.26(1) – (5))
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- Determination on the papers subject to a party requesting otherwise
“(6) Following receipt of the appellant's reply, or the expiry of the time for the receipt of the appellant's reply then, unless it directs otherwise and subject in any event to paragraph (7), the Tribunal must proceed to determine the case without a hearing.
(7) If any party has made a written request to the Tribunal for a hearing, the Tribunal must hold a hearing before determining the case.” (FTT Rules, r.26(6) – (7))
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- Quick decision expected
“It is expected that in a Default Paper case the papers will be read and considered and that a decision will be arrived at on the day allocated, and that the decision will be written up (usually in “summary” form – see rule 35(3)(a)) and sent to the Tribunal administration centre for distribution to the parties on the day or the next day.” (Patrick v. HMRC [2015] UKFTT 508 (TC), §3)
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- Presumed category for penalties for lateness not exceeding £500
"[1] When the Tribunal receives a notice of appeal, application notice or notice of reference in one of the following types of cases, the Tribunal will allocate the case to the Default Paper category, which are normally determined on written submissions without a hearing, unless (a) the Tribunal considers that there is a reason why it is appropriate to allocate the case to a different category or (b) a party makes a written request to the Tribunal for a hearing (which will be conducted by video if possible).
(1) In relation to all taxes and duties, appeals against penalties amounting in aggregate to not more than £500 for late filing of returns, statements, accounts or documents and late submission of notices of being chargeable to tax.
(2) Appeals against penalties amounting in aggregate to not more than £500 for late payment of any tax or duty." (Allocation of Cases to Categories in the Tax Chamber, 12 May 2022)
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Basic categorisation
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- No statement of case, straight to hearing
“(1) This rule applies to Basic cases.
(2) Rule 25 (respondent's statement of case) does not apply and, subject to paragraph (3) and any direction given by the Tribunal, the case will proceed directly to a hearing." (FTT Rules, r.24(1), (2))
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- HMRC must notify any grounds not previously relied on as soon as reasonably practicable
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(3) If the respondent intends to raise grounds for contesting the proceedings at the hearing which have not previously been communicated to the appellant, the respondent must notify the appellant of such grounds.
(4) If the respondent is required to notify the appellant of any grounds under paragraph (3), the respondent must do so--
(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware that such is the case; and
(b) in sufficient detail to enable the appellant to respond to such grounds at the hearing.” (FTT Rules, r.24(3), (4))
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- Presumed category for penalties, information notices, and certain applications
"[2] When the Tribunal receives a notice of appeal, application notice or notice of reference in one of the following types of cases, the Tribunal will allocate the case to the Basic category which will be determined at a hearing, by video if possible, unless the case is of a type listed in paragraph 1 (Default Paper cases) or the Tribunal considers that there is a reason why it is appropriate to allocate the case to a different category.
(1) Appeals
(a) against penalties for late filing of returns and documents and late payment of duties;
(b) against penalties for inaccurate returns or documents, except where the penalties are for deliberate action or cases where an appeal is also brought against the assessment of the tax to which the return or document relates;
(c) seeking the mitigation or reduction of penalties, and those in which a reasonable excuse is asserted;
(d) against information notices and penalties for non-compliance with information notices; and
(e) against Pay As You Earn (PAYE) coding notices.
(2) Applications
(a) for permission to make or notify a late appeal;
(b) for an indirect tax appeal to be entertained without payment of tax or duty on grounds of hardship (hardship applications);
(c) for the postponement of the payment of tax pending the determination of an appeal; and
(d) for a direction that HMRC close an enquiry into a personal, partnership or company self-assessment return." (Allocation of Cases to Categories in the Tax Chamber, 12 May 2022)
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Standard categorisation
List of documents within 42 days of statement of case
“(2) Subject to any direction to the contrary, within 42 days after the date the respondent sent the statement of case (or, where there is more than one respondent, the date of the final statement of case) each party must send or deliver to the Tribunal and to each other party a list of documents--
(a) of which the party providing the list has possession, the right to possession, or the right to take copies; and
(b) which the party providing the list intends to rely upon or produce in the proceedings.” (FTT Rules, r.27(2)).
Test for complex categorisation
“(4) The Tribunal may allocate a case as a Complex case under paragraph (1) or (3) only if the Tribunal considers that the case--
(a) will require lengthy or complex evidence or a lengthy hearing;
(b) involves a complex or important principle or issue; or
(c) involves a large financial sum.” (FTT Rules, r.23(4)).
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- FTT practice direction
"[4] Rule 23 provides that the Tribunal may allocate a case as a Complex case only if the Tribunal considers that the case:
(1) will require voluminous or complex evidence or a lengthy hearing;
(2) involves a complex or important principle or issue; or
(3) involves a large financial sum.
[5] A hearing is generally considered ‘lengthy’ if it is expected to last more than five days.
[6] A financial sum is generally considered ‘large’ in relation to taxes and duties if the amount in dispute in the proceedings is:
(1) £750,000 or more of direct taxes; and
(2) £2,000,000 or more of indirect taxes and duties.
[7] The Tribunal will assess whether, having regard to the nature of a particular case, any one or more of these criteria are satisfied. In making this assessment the Tribunal will take into account all the circumstances, including the implications of the costs-shifting regime (subject to the right of the taxpayer to opt out) and the fact that cases allocated to the Complex category are eligible, subject to various consents, to be transferred to the Upper Tribunal. 8. If on such an assessment the Tribunal considers that a case meets one or more of the stated criteria, it will, in the absence of special factors, allocate the case to the Complex category." (Allocation of Cases to Categories in the Tax Chamber, 12 May 2022)
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- Consider from the perspective of the tax tribunal but do not subdivide further
“It might, for instance, be said that what is a lengthy hearing for a VAT case is not to be seen as a lengthy hearing in a transfer pricing case; and it might be said that what can be seen as a large financial sum in a personal income tax case might nonetheless properly be regarded as small in the context of dispute concerning petroleum revenue tax. We do not consider that it is appropriate to adopt this refinement. It will lead to complexity and opaqueness in the allocation of cases resulting in an inappropriate use of the resources of the Tribunal (both judicial and financial) with a risk of unnecessary and disproportionate satellite litigation.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §16)
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- Gateway conditions are a matter of judgment for Tribunal
“In any case, it is clear beyond argument, we think, that the assessment of what is “complex” evidence or a “complex” issue within rules 23(4)(a) and (b) is a matter of judgment. The task of making that judgment is assigned to the Tribunal whose decision, if made applying the correct principles, can be overturned on an appeal to the Upper Tribunal only if it can be said that no reasonable tribunal could have reached that decision.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §25)
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- Tribunal generally accepts parties agreed allocation
“In most cases the question poses no difficulty, either because the parties agree on the allocation (and the tribunal, as a general rule, respects such an agreement) or because the appeal obviously is, or is obviously not, suitable for such allocation.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §7)
- Case need not be exceptional by the standards of the tax tribunal
“If by use of the word “exceptional” the Judge meant no more than that the features of the case must take it out of the ordinary – ordinary in the sense of being appropriate for allocation as Standard – he cannot be criticised. However, if he meant that the case has to be exceptional by the standards of the work of the Tax Chamber as a whole, we think that that would be wrong. It is perfectly possible for a significant number of cases in the Tax Tribunal to be allocated as Complex cases; the number may be such that it would not be right to describe each and every one of them as exceptional.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §36)
(a) Lengthy or complex evidence
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- Discretion to allocate as complex even if conditions not satisfied
"[44]In summary, whilst I do not think that, strictly speaking the circumstances of this case fall within paragraph 4 of the practice direction, taking into account all of the circumstances, and the obligation to deal with cases fairly and justly, it is my view that the tracking application should be granted." (Tresserras v. HMRC [2024] UKFTT 538 (TC), Judge Popplewell)
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- General principle: lengthy hearing is more than 5 days
"[5] A hearing is generally considered ‘lengthy’ if it is expected to last more than five days." (Allocation of Cases to Categories in the Tax Chamber, 12 May 2022)
- Consider from the perspective of the tax Tribunal
“Again, what may be complex (in the sense of difficult) for expert tax judges sitting in the Tax Chamber – for instance to understand some aspect of building construction in the context of capital allowances – may be entirely simple for an expert judge in the Technology and Construction Court.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §13)
- Do not take account of potential case management hearings
"[52] Mr Young submits that I should take into account the length not just of the trial but also the days which may be taken up with case management hearings (for example this one). I do not accept that. The lengthy hearing criterion reflects the principle that a longer hearing is more likely to be required for a more complicated matter. And the time is for that substantive hearing. It would be ridiculous that a straightforward case involving a one-day hearing, where the parties representatives have fallen out to such an extent that every case management direction is contested and requires an oral hearing, could thus be treated as complex." (Tresserras v. HMRC [2024] UKFTT 538 (TC), Judge Popplewell)
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- Examples: hearing length
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“Even if a case is capable of being capable of allocation as Complex by virtue only of involving a “lengthy hearing”, we see a four day hearing as being very much on the borderline and note that a large number of cases that could not possibly be described as complex in accordance with the ordinary meaning of that word (such as “mark-up” appeals) last more than that. In any event, we are not satisfied that a four day estimate is accurate and think, on what we know at present, that it ought to be capable of disposal within 3 days.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §57).
“A hearing of six days is longer than the vast majority of hearings in the tribunal but, in my view, not so lengthy or unusual (especially not for a case concerning whether or not supplies in respect of which input tax has been claimed were actually made) as to justify re-allocating the appeal as a Complex case when considered on its own.” (JSM Construction Ltd v. HMRC [2015] UKFTT 474 (TC), §21).
“I do not regard a hearing of 7½ days in the context of a case where allegations of dishonesty are being made and issues of law arise as at all out of the ordinary. In my view it cannot be said that this appeal involves a lengthy hearing for the purposes of Rule 23(4)(a).” (Elder v. HMRC [2014] UKFTT 728 (TC), §26).
“It is in my view clear that a hearing lasting three days, whether one measures that length against some objective standard or against what might be usual for a case of this kind, cannot be described as “lengthy”, in the sense intended by the rule, nor that the calling of several witnesses, even including an expert, is out of the ordinary.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §24)
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- Examples: complexity of evidence
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“I do not regard five witness statements, none of which seemed to be particularly long, and four or five lever arch files of documents as at all out of the ordinary in the context of a case concerning entitlement to deduct input tax or in the context of cases in this tribunal generally. The volume of documents is determined by the number of invoices that are subject to challenge and the amount of correspondence between the parties. That volume does not indicate complexity as may, for example, be found in cases that involve evidence of complicated transaction chains and circular payments such as MTIC fraud cases. In my view it cannot be said that this appeal involves lengthy or complex evidence for the purposes of rule 23(4)(a).” (JSM Construction Ltd v. HMRC [2015] UKFTT 474 (TC), §21)
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(b) Complex or important principle or issue
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- Complex contractual and trust relationships
​“One of the issues before the Tribunal can therefore be described in this way. It is whether the Appellant as owner/trustee has been chartering out the helicopter in the course of a business or as an economic activity. This has to be determined following a full analysis of the fiduciary and contractual relationships embodied in the documents that were created for the purposes of the arrangements. Those documents, as briefly summarised above, produce a “complex” whole (in the second sense mentioned in paragraph 8 above)… In this connection we mention that we know of no previous VAT decisions which provide any real guidance.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §§53…54 – case categorised as complex)
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- Interest to others does not make it an important issue
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“I can accept that the outcome of the appeal may be of great importance to Dreams, and indeed to its competitors, but I do not see how the determination of the correct VAT treatment of adjustable beds amounts to “a complex or important principle or issue”. On the contrary, it is the type of issue which the Chamber resolves routinely, in appeals which have been allocated to the Standard category. If I am right in my view that something out of the ordinary must be shown I have no doubt that this appeal does not come close to passing through this gateway.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §7)
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- Governed by existing higher authority
“While I accept that the jurisdiction of the tribunal and the status of credit notes are important issues in the general scheme of VAT, the points that arise in this case are neither new nor, in my view, particularly complex (in the sense of complicated). As submitted by Mr Fitzpatrick, issue of the status of a credit note has already been considered by the Court of Appeal in Brunel which, unless it can be distinguished, would seem to provide powerful support for JSM’s position. There are many authorities on the right to deduct under EU law and the tribunal is familiar and well able to deal with them." (JSM Construction Ltd v. HMRC [2015] UKFTT 474 (TC), §25)
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- Important but not complex satisfies gateway
“In the context of tax appeals relating to partnership taxation I am not persuaded that the issues in Mr Badzyan’s appeal are unusually complex. I am, however, of the view that they are “important”, in part because they would be likely to be determinative of (or materially relevant to) certain issues in relation to the Partnership assessment, and also because of the precedential weight of those issues beyond Mr Badzyan’s appeal. HMRC stated during the proceedings that the total tax at stake in relation to the Partnership was approximately £30 million and in relation to variations of the arrangements was several hundreds of millions of pounds. While Mr Gotch submits that this unfairly conflates Mr Badzyan’s appeal with other assessments, in my judgment the overlap between the principles or issues in Mr Badzyan’s appeal and those other situations does render the points at issue in his appeal important.” (Badzyan v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 439 (TC), §43, Judge Thomas Scott)
- Well known principles applied on a regular basis
"[48] Secondly, I do not consider that it involves a complex or important legal principle or issue. The principles set out in statute and in case law in these sorts of smuggling cases are well known and are considered on a regular basis by the tribunal. Although Mr Young has tried to persuade me that this case will involve principles involving criminal law, human rights law, and perhaps complex issues of disclosure, that is true in many cases of penalties for smuggling. Of itself, it is insufficient to persuade me that I should exercise my discretion in the appellant's favour. Nor do I think that the legal principles involved in the case are important. As I say, they are well known and have been considered in many cases by higher courts who have set out the principles to be adopted (regarding, for example, deliberate behaviour, and reasonable excuse)." (Tresserras v. HMRC [2024] UKFTT 538 (TC), Judge Popplewell)
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(c) Large financial sum
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- General guide: £750k (direct tax), £2m (indirect tax)
"[6] A financial sum is generally considered ‘large’ in relation to taxes and duties if the amount in dispute in the proceedings is:
(1) £750,000 or more of direct taxes; and
(2) £2,000,000 or more of indirect taxes and duties." (Allocation of Cases to Categories in the Tax Chamber, 12 May 2022)
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- Consider from the perspective of tax cases generally
“…what is, or is not, a large financial sum must be assessed by reference to the sort of cases undertaken in the Tax Chamber. What may be large in the context of a social security claim may be small in the context of tax disputes generally.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §15)
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- Large compared to median value of tax cases
“The conclusion to which I have come is that the sum should be large by comparison with the median value of the cases which come before the Chamber and are allocated to the Standard and Complex categories. The adoption of that approach, it seems to me, represents a simple and straightforward means of applying the condition. In my judgment £5 million does meet that test, and in consequence rule 23(4)(c) is satisfied.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §30)
- Same thresholds applied to penalties
"[46] Firstly, the appeal does not involve a large financial sum. The financial sum is less than £2 million. I appreciate the point made by Mr Young that the practice direction refers to taxes and duties, whereas this appeal concerns penalties, but I can see no principled reason why the financial threshold is not equally applicable to penalties. This criterion is designed to apply to big-money cases, and the penalty does not fall into this category.
[47] I was not taken to a calculation of the penalty, but reading paragraph 71 of the statement of case, it seems to me that the penalty is 100% of the duty. So, in essence the amount of the duty is the amount of the penalty which is less than £2 million." (Tresserras v. HMRC [2024] UKFTT 538 (TC), Judge Popplewell)
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- Circumstances of party generally not relevant
“…a given amount of VAT may be very large indeed when viewed through the eyes of a small trader with a turnover of a few hundred thousand pounds, but may be seen as almost trivial when viewed through the eyes of an international corporation with a turnover of hundreds of millions of pounds. We do not consider that, as a general rule, the circumstances of the parties should be taken into account in this way. We say that this should be the general rule because there may be special factors which take a particular case out of the ambit of this general rule. We do not consider it helpful in this decision to attempt to give examples of what might be sufficient to amount to an exception.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §17).
“…I also take the view that examination of a taxpayer’s accounts to see whether the sum in issue is large, by reference to its turnover, profit, net assets or some other yardstick, is neither desirable nor practical…The Upper Tribunal [in Capital Air Services] did make it clear that it is necessary to leave out of account the fact that (to use its own examples) a large amount in the context of income tax may be modest in the context of petroleum revenue tax. It follows from what I derive from its decision that an absolute standard, that is to say one which does not vary depending on the taxpayer or the tax, is to be adopted.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §29…30)
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- Potential consequent liabilities not taken into account
“I do not accept Mr Fitzpatrick’s submission that I should take account of the fact that JSM would potentially be liable to corporation tax of £601,971 if its appeal is unsuccessful. The assessment to corporation tax is not the subject of this appeal (nor of any appeal to the FTT) and I do not consider that it would be proper to take it into account for the purpose of deciding whether or not to categorise this appeal as a Complex case.” (JSM Construction Ltd v. HMRC [2015] UKFTT 474 (TC), §29)
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- Query whether value of related appeals taken into account
“On the basis of the parties’ submissions, I am satisfied that the case satisfies the condition in Rule 23(4)(b), and that having regard to the accepted similarity of a large series of other appeals regarded as depending on the outcome of the Council’s appeal, the case indirectly satisfies the condition in Rule 23(4)(c). I therefore direct that the case be allocated to the Complex category.” (Babergh DC v. HMRC [2011] UKFTT 341 (TC), §41).
Not a proposition of general application
“Even without taking account of the “indirect” arguments discussed in Babergh District Council v HMRC [2011] UKFTT 341 (TC) in relation to “the taxpaying community as a whole”, which I would not regard as a proposition of general application in relation to Rule 24(4)(c), I regard £800,000 as a relatively large sum in context.” (Badzyan v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 439 (TC), §45, Judge Thomas Scott)
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- Examples of large sums
“…I regard £800,000 as a relatively large sum in context.” (Badzyan v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 439 (TC), §45, Judge Thomas Scott – already decided to categorise as complex on the basis of important issue).
“In my judgment £5 million does meet that test [median value of tax cases], and in consequence rule 23(4)(c) is satisfied.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §30)
- Examples of not large sums
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“The amount at issue in this appeal is £226,845. There are no published statistics that give the median value of appeals before the tribunal and so any judgment as to whether a particular amount is more or less than the median is necessarily one of experience and impression. In my experience and impression of the value of appeals to the FTT generally, I do not consider that this appeal involves a large financial sum.” (JSM Construction Ltd v. HMRC [2015] UKFTT 474 (TC), §28)
“The total sum in issue is approximately £232,000 including interest. I cannot take into account the possibility of a penalty assessment which has not yet been made. In the context of appeals to this tribunal generally, I cannot say that this appeal involves a large financial sum.” (Elder v. HMRC [2014] UKFTT 728 (TC), §31)
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(d) Discretion arises if gateway condition is satisfied
“The discretion whether to allocate an appeal to the Complex category arises, as the rule makes clear, only when one or more of the conditions specified by sub-rule (4) is satisfied; but it is apparent from the manner in which the rule is drafted that, even if that hurdle is overcome, the tribunal is still required to exercise a discretion.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §6)
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- General rule: cases satisfying a gateway condition should be classified as complex
“The general rule should, we consider, be that a case capable of being allocated as Complex ought to be so allocated. Any discretion to allocate other than in accordance with that general rule should be exercisable only in the light of special factors.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §30)
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[7] The Tribunal will assess whether, having regard to the nature of a particular case, any one or more of these criteria are satisfied. In making this assessment the Tribunal will take into account all the circumstances, including the implications of the costs-shifting regime (subject to the right of the taxpayer to opt out) and the fact that cases allocated to the Complex category are eligible, subject to various consents, to be transferred to the Upper Tribunal. 8. If on such an assessment the Tribunal considers that a case meets one or more of the stated criteria, it will, in the absence of special factors, allocate the case to the Complex category." (Allocation of Cases to Categories in the Tax Chamber, 12 May 2022)
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- Not to be based simply on FTT’s subjective view of whether costs regime would be appropriate
“It would be wrong, however, for a judge of the Tax Chamber to assess whether a case should be allocated as Complex by reference to his or her own subjective view about whether the case is one where there should be power to award costs. That would be to put the cart before the horse…The costs regime which applies to Complex cases applies because the case is Complex; the decision to categorise a case as Complex is not to be made simply because a judge thinks that a cost-shifting regime should be available.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §20)
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- But consequences of categorisation are relevant factors
“The FTT in this case did not adopt as its reference point the subjective question whether it considered the case as one in which costs-shifting was appropriate. It was first satisfied that the case fell within the relevant criteria. It then proceeded to exercise its discretion, for which it would have been required to have regard to the overriding objective of dealing with cases fairly and justly, having regard to all the circumstances. It cannot be said that the statement of intent put forward by Mr and Mrs Hills [that they would not opt out of the costs regime] was irrelevant to that consideration. It clearly was relevant, and it is indeed difficult to envisage the FTT making the direction that it did if such a statement had not been made. To do so would have been to give rise to the very situation of oneway costs shifting that Warren J described in Atlantic Electronics, at [7], as outside the policy of the FTT Rules.” (Hills v. HMRC [2016] UKUT 266 (TCC), §43, Judge Berner).
“Notwithstanding the observations in the preceding two paragraphs in relation to costs and transfer, it would not be right to dismiss altogether the consequences of allocation as irrelevant to the meaning of rule 23. The availability of a costs-shifting regime in all cases allocated as Complex and the availability of a transfer to the Upper Tribunal in some cases allocated as Complex (and only in cases so allocated) each inform the interpretation of what is to be seen as appropriate for allocation as Complex…In deciding whether or not to allocate the case as Complex, we consider that the judge would be entitled to take account of the costs implications of allocating as Complex and to ask himself whether it is really the sort of case where a costs-shifting regime should be available.” (Capital Air Services Ltd v. HMRC [2010] UKUT 373, §22).
"[55] This is clearly a case of considerable importance to the appellant who is being impugned for what is essentially dishonest behaviour. It is going to defend this reputation and has come out fighting. It is going to deploy considerable financial and other resources in its defence. This is a heavyweight case even if the legal principles are straightforward. There may be elements of it which require further consideration (for example the Public Interest Immunity point which cannot be taken further until HMRC have disclosed their witness evidence). Whilst the sums at stake might fall below the financial threshold to be considered large, a penalty of approximately £500,000 is a chunky amount. To my mind this is a case in which, should the appellant win, it should be entitled to its costs." (Tresserras v. HMRC [2024] UKFTT 538 (TC), Judge Popplewell)
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“…it is likely to be an appellant who seeks allocation to the Complex category, and he may (indeed probably will) be motivated, at least in part, by the availability of a cost-shifting régime. I do not say that by way of criticism since I see nothing inherently wrong in an appellant’s seeking to bring himself within such a régime (there was, and still is, intense debate about whether a cost-shifting régime should be more widely available in appeals before the Tax Chamber) but to record my view that HMRC’s resistance to such allocation, on the grounds that it exposes them to a costs risk, must also be given due weight.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §16)
- Large sum does not trump failure to pass through other gateways
“In essence, this appeal raises questions which are, in my judgment, fairly routine for this Chamber. Its only distinguishing feature is that there is a sufficiently large sum in issue for it to pass through the rule 23(4)(c) gateway. Mindful though I am that the Upper Tribunal in Capital Air Services did not equate “complex” with “Complex”, I have come to the conclusion that the amount of tax in issue does not “trump” the fact that, by reason of its failure to pass through the other gateways, the appeal is more suitable for allocation to the Standard category. In my judgment that is the category to which it should be allocated, and I so direct.” (Dreams plc v. HMRC [2012] UKFTT 614 (TC), §34)
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- Hearing on the cusp of being lengthy in case with serious allegations allocated to complex
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"[51] So, it is difficult for me to come to a definite view as to the likely length of the trial. What I can say however is that the parties are agreed that a court appointed interpreter should attend and that the documentation is likely to be voluminous, if not complex. I should imagine that the oral evidence will probably take a day and a half . And counsel for each party is likely to each take a day in opening and closing submissions. There may well be half a day's reading required. So, it is on the cusp of being lengthy.
...
[53] The practice direction tells me that I can only allocate a case as complex if I consider that it will fall within one or more of the three criteria set out in paragraph 4 of that direction.
[54] And, for the reasons given above, I cannot say with certainty that it will fall within one or more of them. However, the practice direction tells me that I must take into account all the circumstances including the implications of the costs-shifting regime.
[55] This is clearly a case of considerable importance to the appellant who is being impugned for what is essentially dishonest behaviour. It is going to defend this reputation and has come out fighting. It is going to deploy considerable financial and other resources in its defence. This is a heavyweight case even if the legal principles are straightforward. There may be elements of it which require further consideration (for example the Public Interest Immunity point which cannot be taken further until HMRC have disclosed their witness evidence). Whilst the sums at stake might fall below the financial threshold to be considered large, a penalty of approximately £500,000 is a chunky amount. To my mind this is a case in which, should the appellant win, it should be entitled to its costs." (Tresserras v. HMRC [2024] UKFTT 538 (TC), Judge Popplewell)​
- Hearing on the cusp of being lengthy in case with serious allegations allocated to complex
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"[51] So, it is difficult for me to come to a definite view as to the likely length of the trial. What I can say however is that the parties are agreed that a court appointed interpreter should attend and that the documentation is likely to be voluminous, if not complex. I should imagine that the oral evidence will probably take a day and a half . And counsel for each party is likely to each take a day in opening and closing submissions. There may well be half a day's reading required. So, it is on the cusp of being lengthy.
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[53] The practice direction tells me that I can only allocate a case as complex if I consider that it will fall within one or more of the three criteria set out in paragraph 4 of that direction.
[54] And, for the reasons given above, I cannot say with certainty that it will fall within one or more of them. However, the practice direction tells me that I must take into account all the circumstances including the implications of the costs-shifting regime.
[55] This is clearly a case of considerable importance to the appellant who is being impugned for what is essentially dishonest behaviour. It is going to defend this reputation and has come out fighting. It is going to deploy considerable financial and other resources in its defence. This is a heavyweight case even if the legal principles are straightforward. There may be elements of it which require further consideration (for example the Public Interest Immunity point which cannot be taken further until HMRC have disclosed their witness evidence). Whilst the sums at stake might fall below the financial threshold to be considered large, a penalty of approximately £500,000 is a chunky amount. To my mind this is a case in which, should the appellant win, it should be entitled to its costs." (Tresserras v. HMRC [2024] UKFTT 538 (TC), Judge Popplewell)​
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Dispensing with list of documents where witness statements to be exchanged
“In my view, the rules are generic, not only intended to cover all tax tribunal cases, but are derived from rules which were intended to apply to all tribunal cases. The fact the rules do not direct an exchange of witness statements does not indicate it was intended witness statements would be exchanged after documentary evidence: far from it, it means that it was not envisaged that ordinary tribunal cases would have an exchange of witness statements at all. The rules were not drafted with the more complicated tax tribunal cases, such as this one, in mind, and there is no reason in principle why documents should be exchanged before witness statements...Indeed, I agree with HMRC that doing so can be wasteful of both time and costs and serves no purpose. Therefore I direct that Rule 27 is to be dispensed with. The parties must serve the documents on which they rely in the hearing at the same time as they serve witness statements from the witnesses on whose evidence they rely, as exhibits to those witness statements.” (Ronald Hull Junior Ltd v. HMRC [2016] UKFTT 525 (TC), §§128 – 129).
Hearing generally required (except in default paper cases)
“(1) Subject to rule 26(6) (determination of a Default Paper case without a hearing) and the following paragraphs in this rule, the Tribunal must hold a hearing before making a decision which disposes of proceedings, or a part of proceedings, unless--
(a) each party has consented to the matter being decided without a hearing; and
(b) the Tribunal considers that it is able to decide the matter without a hearing.” (FTT Rules, r.29(1)).
Superfluous decisions disposing of proceedings
“The Unless Directions recorded that a withdrawal notice “Normally … would conclude the proceedings without any further action by the Tribunal; however, as these are the lead cases under a Rule 18 Direction, I consider it is best to formalise the position by issuing a decision notice dismissing the appeals …”. [The taxpayer argued that the] 17 December 2013 Notice [dismissing the appeals] was the document issued to dismiss the appeals. Rule 29 required that a hearing be held before making a decision which disposes of proceedings, unless the parties consented to the matter being decided without a hearing, and the Tribunal considered it was able to decide the matter without a hearing. Neither Vaultdawn nor (so far as Vaultdawn was aware) Montpelier had consented to determination of the appeal without a hearing… We do not accept Ms Redston’s submission (see [50-51] above) that the Tribunal’s decision notice dated 17 December 2013 was invalid…Vaultdawn’s withdrawal disposed of the proceedings, and there was no need for any hearing.” (Vaultdawn Ltd v. HMRC [2015] UKFTT 383 (TC), §82).
Time estimates for the hearing
Should be kept under review, with notification to tribunal of any changes
“In the interests of efficiency, and in cooperating with the tribunal…I urge all users of the tribunal to give careful consideration to the time estimates that are produced to enable the tribunal to list hearings. In particular, parties should be assiduous in keeping time estimates under review and if a revision is required (in whatever direction) in notifying the tribunal in good time to enable the lists to be adjusted.” (General Healthcare Group Ltd v. HMRC [2014] UKFTT 1087 (TC), §35, Judge Berner – 3 ½ days took only 1 day).
“In such circumstances, where there is a substantial increase in the amount of the available evidence, parties should consider whether the time estimate should be revised, whether or not this may mean that the hearing may have to be deferred.” (SAE Education Ltd v. HMRC [2014] UKFTT 218 (TC), §321, Judge John Clark).
Notice of hearing (14 days minimum, generally)
“(1) The Tribunal must give each party entitled to attend a hearing reasonable notice of the time and place of any hearing (including any adjourned or postponed hearing) and any changes to the time and place of any hearing.
(2) In relation to a hearing to consider the disposal of proceedings, the period of notice under paragraph (1) must be at least 14 days except that the Tribunal may give less than 14 days' notice--
(a) with the parties' consent; or
(b) in urgent or exceptional circumstances.” (FTT Rules, r.31).
Expedition requires objective urgency to a high threshold
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"[6] I understood expedition to mean either or both:
(1) As short as possible time consistent with justice permitted to the parties to prepare the case for hearing, with a presumption against extensions of time being granted for compliance;
(2) An early hearing with the expedited case prioritised for listing over other cases within the Tribunal system.
[7] The appellant relied on the case of CPC Group Ltd [2009] EWHC 3204 (Ch). The judge there summarised the law on expedition saying that [88] the applicant must satisfy the court of ‘objective urgency’ and that was a ‘high threshold’ [87]. He also said that ‘the respondent’s attitude is not really of importance. It is only if he can show some real prejudice to him if a trial is expedited that he has a part to play’ [89] although the judge also said the respondent could make representations on whether or not expedition was justified." (Manhattan Systems Limited v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 862 (TC), Judge Mosedale)
- Alternative interim remedy weakens case for expedition
"[13] I do not accept that the Thames Wine case [[2017] EWHC 452 (Admin)] decided that interim relief would never be ordered in a case where HMRC deregistered a taxpayer. On the contrary, it was just an example of the Administrative Court applying the well-established principle that interim relief would only be granted (if at all) where the applicant could show an arguable case that the challenged decision was wrong in law.
[14] In my view, if the appellant here thought that it had an arguable case that its de-registration was wrong in law, it would be able to pursue a claim for interim relief, although obviously I cannot say whether it would succeed. The fact it appears not to have applied for interim relief does detract from its application for expedition. In the event this does not affect my decision, because for reasons explained below, I do not consider it has objectively justified a need for full expedition of its appeal." (Manhattan Systems Limited v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 862 (TC), Judge Mosedale)
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- Uncertainty re extent of financial prejudice leading to refusal of expedition
"[22] In conclusion, while I am satisfied that there must be some financial prejudice to the appellant in being VAT deregistered, I was left uncertain of how severe a prejudice it was. I don’t know whether or not it was able to trade. The appellant wished me to rely on Mr Afshernejad’s evidence while at the same time the current instructions to counsel contradicted it. And because of that I cannot be satisfied that it would be appropriate to order expedition in the full sense indicated in CPC Group. The appellant did not pass the ‘high threshold’ of satisfying me of objective urgency. And, as I have said, I did not understand why it had not sought interim relief if it thought HMRC’s decision was arguably wrong in law although this was not a decisive factor in my decision." (Manhattan Systems Limited v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 862 (TC), Judge Mosedale)
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Shortened directions timetable even if expedition not granted in VAT deregistration cases
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"[23] Nevertheless, it did seem to me that HMRC must accept that where they deregister a taxpayer, they must be prepared to make ready the appeal for hearing with reasonable expedition, and it would be appropriate to make case management directions on that basis.
...
[57] So my conclusion is that full expedition of the appeal was not justified and the appeals must be consolidated. Nevertheless, because it is a deregistration appeal, the exchange of evidence and timetable generally should be as short as reasonably consistent with properly preparing the case for hearing." (Manhattan Systems Limited v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 862 (TC), Judge Mosedale)
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Venue
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No change of venue to accommodate representative’s medical condition
“If Mr Arthur is unable to represent the Applicants at the hearing locations that have been directed, they remain free to choose other representatives who can. They will not be precluded from being represented, nor will any representative not of their own choosing be appointed by the tribunal or anyone else.” (Cresswell v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 481 (TC), §11 quoting Judge Berner sitting in the Upper Tribunal).
“In balancing those considerations, I was satisfied that the venues nominated by the Tribunal were in accordance with the Tribunal’s stated policy, and were convenient for the appellants, the witnesses and the Respondents. I noted that the Respondents objected to the requested change of venue. The only factor to be counterbalanced was Mr Arthur’s wish (endorsed by his clients) for the hearings to be held instead in Cardiff, because of his medical condition. As stated on more than one occasion, the Tribunal is sympathetic to Mr Arthur’s health problems but I am firmly of the opinion that the Tribunal cannot be expected to be required to list a hearing only at a venue local to him simply because he has accepted instructions on a matter which would necessitate him travelling further afield than Cardiff. It is, of course, entirely a matter for Mr Arthur as to what professional instructions he feels able to accept from potential clients but I think it is reasonable to state that if advocacy is required and he is not able to attend to that in person then one would expect him to have made arrangements for counsel to be briefed to appear, or for representation by a local agent.” (Cresswell v. HMRC [2017] UKFTT 481 (TC), §11 quoting Judge Kempster).