Thomas Eggar has expanded its private client team with the appointment of tax adviser Andrew Watters.

Watters (pictured), who joined as a director based in its London office, will focus on growing the firm’s specialist contentious tax services including pre-emptive planning, tax investigations and enquiries and tax litigation.

Previously a director at Berwin Leighton Paisner, Watters also worked as a senior investigator in the special compliance office of the Inland Revenue with a focus on high-profile cases of suspected tax avoidance and evasion. His extensive expertise and experience in both HMRC and private practice enables him to advise corporate groups and individuals on how best to anticipate and resolve enquiries by the HMRC.

Watters will work alongside Ana Wisdell, director and another former tax inspector, to offer both private and corporate clients comprehensive tax risk analysis, management and dispute resolution services.

Richard Jordan, head of the private client team at Thomas Eggar, says: “Given the stated aims and campaigns of HMRC the number of tax disputes is only likely to rise, Andrew’s expertise in contentious tax issues will address this need and complements the expert legal and tax advice of the private client team. Andrew will be the key driver in expanding this area for the firm and we plan to invest further with additional appointments to enhance the tax expertise within the business.”

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