Introduction

This note outlines the procedure for appealing against a decision made by HMRC. It links to further notes which explain each stage of the procedure. See also the Flowchart ― appeal process at a glance ― direct taxes and Flowchart ― appeal process at a glance ― VAT which visually summarise the process.

Note that the Government has proposed an alignment of the processes for appealing a direct taxes and VAT decisions. For more details, see the Tax Administration Framework Review: Improving HMRC’s approach to dispute resolution (Apr 2025).

This guidance note and the further notes on appealing to the Tribunal are only a summary; they do not cover all situations. You may need to take further advice in relation to the taxpayer’s