Tax: Indirect Tax
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7797 7500Chambers Review
1 Crown Office Row has a broad bench of practitioners able to assist clients with the full range of indirect tax law issues. The Barristers regularly represent the Revenue and taxpayer clients in cases concerning VAT, customs and excise, relief claims, input tax disputes and landfill taxes, among others. They are well respected for their advocacy skills and appear in cases across all levels of the UK court system. Recent matters handled include the first ever case taken against the UK for failure to implement a judgment of the CJEU and for fines to be imposed on the UK for non-compliance. The set also appeared in the Supreme Court matter of Jersey Choice Limited (JCL) v Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT), as well as R (ota Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust) v HMRC, one of the only cases challenging the scope of relief from VAT for NHS bodies who contract out services.
Matthew Phipps is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Their clerks are second to none. They provide comprehensive and transparent pricing, which sets them apart from the crowd."
"Their clerks are second to none. They provide comprehensive and transparent pricing, which sets them apart from the crowd."
Notable Practitioners
Natasha Barnes is a highly respected tax barrister praised for her extensive work representing HMRC in high-stakes cases. She has extensive experience of handling cases concerning VAT exemptions, HMRC assessments and fall-back provisions, among others.
"Natasha is a very pragmatic and sensible advocate."
"Natasha Barnes is a great team player, who is very knowledgeable and incredibly hard-working."
"Natasha is hard-working, conscientious and someone with a great client manner."
Owain Thomas KC combines his tax practice with an impressive public law background. He regularly represents the Revenue and is extremely experienced in handling complex VAT and customs cases, among other matters. In addition to his litigation expertise he has a growing advisory practice.
"Owain has the most phenomenal brain and is a brilliant litigator."
"He has an absolutely amazing intellect, and cuts to the chase incredibly quickly."
Sarabjit Singh KC is a well-regarded practitioner who has a broad civil practice which encompasses in-depth indirect tax expertise. He is particularly well known for his representation of the Revenue in prominent VAT cases and has experience of appearing before the Supreme Court.
"Sarabjit is extremely knowledgeable and finds it very easy to distil complicated tax and public law issues into straightforward and practical advice which we and the client appreciate very much."
"His written arguments are very on-point and he's always up to speed with the latest developments in the law."
"He is responsive, knowledgeable and approachable."
Amy Mannion is a skilled junior with a strong public law and indirect tax practice. She is often called upon to represent the Revenue in cases involving such matters as VAT and alcohol duty.
Isabel McArdle has particular experience in VAT, customs, excise and rating. She is regularly sought to act for HMRC and taxpayers.
"Isabel is a very versatile performer, who puts forward really good arguments."
"Isabel is a really good specialist who is very clever, highly articulate and someone who writes really well. She always supports silks in the manner that they want."
Ranked Barristers at
1 Crown Office Row
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)
Juniors
London (Bar)