Mediation and Tax: When preparation meets opportunity? 

Maximising the return on Mediation Settlement Payments

WORKSHOP: In-Person & In-Depth

17 October 2023 - Doubletree by Hilton Angel Kings, London

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This Seminar is about UK Tax and Mediation Settlements which are essentially contractual settlements.

In just one day understand:

There are no special UK rules 
for Tax and a settlement 
by Mediation

Usual rules concerning settlement payments apply 
for UK tax purposes. Income tax, CGT, Corporation 
Tax and VAT are all particularly relevant

Careful analysis is needed of what the payment 
is for and how that is to be treated 
for UK tax purposes

Complex and not always 
obvious rules

Careful preparation and ability to deal 
with unexpected when needed

Why you should attend:

After attending this workshop, advisers will feel equipped to engage in the dispute process, which may either be with a specialist tax litigator but also taking a case themselves. There will be a range of disputes where due to cost constraints the client may prefer to use the original adviser whilst more complex disputes will require the participation of a specialist.

Your Workshop Leaders

Adrian Shipwright
Adrian Shipwright Barrister
Addington Chambers
Julian Hickey
Julian Hickey Barrister
Exchequer Chambers

Workshop style and timings

This workshop is designed to be participative throughout. There will be ample opportunity for delegates to benchmark experiences with industry peers and raise issues of most concern to their organisation, either confidentially or in open. Two tax barristers will guide you through some of the complexities of:

6.5 Hours Of In-Depth Content

9:30 - 4.00pm

Workshop Topic

Subject Matter

Introduction
  • Not considering tax can be expensive and lead to unhappy clients for the adviser.
  • Not a matter for the meditator ?
  • Mediation is facilitated negotiation between the parties who reach the solution.
  • The UK Tax rules also often require clarity as to what it is that is being settled or brought to an end and how. 

Importance of preparation and consideration of outcomes in advance 

  • Need for preparation because of complexity and uncertainty etc.
  • UK tax position can be complex and in need of careful detailed analysis.
  • What the parties agreed? Ascertain on a contractual basis
  • NB in tax cases the onus of proof is on the taxpayer and not HMRC.
  • Not unusual for out of the ordinary and unexpected matters to arise and form the basis of a settlement.
  • What does the client want?  What do other parties want?
  • “Gameplay” potential outcomes in advance see what possible and where there may be  a “landing zone”
  • Reporting

What is the payment for?

  • Difficult but vital question
  • Payer and payee’s position is not the same

Relevant taxes

  • Main UK taxes to consider
  • Income tax (“IT”)
  • Capital Gains Tax (“CGT”)
  • Corporation Tax (“CT”)
  • Value  Added  Tax (“VAT”)

IT

  • The capital or income question
  • “Hole in the Profits”
  • The sterilization principle
  • Termination of a Contract
  • Withholding Tax
  • Reimbursement
  • Overview Summary
  • Deductions
  • Some unusual cases that may be useful

CGT

  • The Charge to CGT
  • Deemed Disposals
  • S 22 TCGA
  • Zim Properties v Proctor [ 1985] STC 90.
  • Compensation and capital gains taxation

CT

  • Broadly similar principles to those for IT and CGT apply for CT purposes.

VAT

  • General
  • The Charge to UK VAT

Consideration: Settlement of Disputes: Disputes involving suits for damages

  • As a final point, there is no supply for VAT purposes simply because a party agrees to settle out of court
  • Settlement of disputes involving claims for payments of supplies made
  • Termination of a contract on payment
  • Payment in kind - Double supply?

Tax risks and  the mediation  settlement agreement

  • General
  • Contractual Risk Allocation
  • Any overarching principle that could be agreed?
  • Terms of the Settlement Agreement
  • VAT
  • Payment VAT inclusive or exclusive?
  • Transfer of business as a going concern?
  • Income tax
  • Care is needed with the anti avoidance provisions
  • Hole in profits?
  • Withholding tax is there annual interest being paid? are there royalties?
  • Capital gains tax
  • Capital sum derived from an asset
  • Reliefs
  • Double disposal if payment inspected
  • Corporation tax
  • SDLT etc
  • S 53
  • Double charge if in effect to swap

 

Partnership

Partnering on an event, or indeed the community as a whole, will increase your company’s profile and brand awareness.

We can provide bespoke value-adding partnerships. We will work in collaboration with you to develop a marketing solution to meet your objectives across varying events and thought leadership content. We will ensure that you gain value through the right medium, focused on your desired audience, with a true partnership that delivers value to your marketing needs. Want to know more?

Please contact James on 07739311749 or email james@thoughtleaders4.com