Trial date set for tax evasion case against Stockport accountants

The first ever case involving the corporate criminal offence of facilitating tax evasion has been brought against a Stockport accountancy firm by HMRC with trial date set for 2027

Bennett Verby Ltd, an accountants and business advisory firm based in Stockport, Cheshire, and six individuals, have been charged with failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion. Charges have been brought under section 45 of the Criminal Finances Act 2017, the first prosecution under this section of the Act.

HMRC brought the case against Bennett Verby, and it is related to alleged research and development (R&D) repayment fraud claims.

Bennett Verby Ltd and the six defendants appeared at a directions hearing on 7 August at Manchester Crown Court. No pleas were entered.

Your free features:

Breaking news and expert analysis
Customisable daily newsletters
Six free CPD learning modules each year
Personalised CPD tracker
Top 75 Firms league tables
Regulatory changes
Hardman’s Tax Data

Tax | ‘You’ve had plenty of time to get on with it’, MPs tell HMRC

Business | Top 75 Firms Survey 2026: private equity drives growth and M&A surge

Finance | Legal updates: danger of digital handshake via email in binding contracts

Navigate

Tax Services

Your free features:

Sign up to Business & Accountancy Daily