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 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 appeal position. If the taxpayer’s appeal is against a decision by Revenue Scotland, the procedure may not be the same as that set out