HMRC Names Five Accountancy Firms Over Tax Avoidance Referrals

HMRC has today (18 September 2025) named five accountancy firms for taking referral fees to connect clients with a tax avoidance scheme run by B2BTradecard Limited.

The firms – HB&O Ltd, Ojak Consultancy Limited, Atlas Accountancy Limited, Henry Bramall & Co Limited, and Roelken Limited – entered into “Introducer Agreements” with B2BTradecard. These agreements rewarded them with commission fees, calculated as a percentage of the money their clients spent on the scheme.

Two other businesses, Harrison Beale & Owen Management Services Limited and SPM Management Consultancy Ltd, were also named for their involvement.

The scheme involved clients claiming tax deductions for purchasing “advertising services” from B2BTradecard. They then received up to 80% of the money back through prepaid cards – without paying any tax.

HMRC says this arrangement does not work. The prepaid card payments were disguised earnings and should have been taxed like normal income.

Some of the named firms also managed their clients’ accounts and tax returns while earning referral commissions – raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest.

Jonathan Smith, HMRC’s Director of Counter Avoidance, said:

“Promoting tax avoidance is unacceptable. Accountants and tax advisors should give their clients sound advice, not steer them towards schemes that can result in large tax bills.

Naming the people involved in promoting tax avoidance schemes is a crucial step in helping customers stay clear of current and future schemes they might promote.

We understand that facing unexpected tax bills can be stressful and we urge any users of this scheme to contact us immediately so we can help them settle their affairs.”

This case is part of HMRC’s growing effort to stop marketed tax avoidance schemes and protect workers from being misled.

 • As of September 2025, HMRC has published details of over 170 schemes and promoters on its official GOV.UK list.

 • Tax avoidance schemes are often marketed as ways to boost take-home pay, but HMRC warns they rarely work and leave users facing large tax bills, penalties, and interest.

 • From April 2026, new umbrella company regulations will come into force, alongside tougher enforcement powers including a new criminal offence for failing to disclose schemes.

For contractors, freelancers, and agency workers operating through umbrella companies, this case is a sharp warning. If an arrangement offers unusually high take-home pay or promises to “beat HMRC,” it is almost certainly non-compliant.

Choosing a reputable umbrella company remains the safest way to ensure full compliance with tax rules while avoiding risky schemes. Always check whether your umbrella provider is transparent, accredited, and adheres to HMRC guidance.

If you suspect you’ve been involved in a scheme, HMRC advises contacting them immediately at CAGetHelpOutOfTaxAvoidance@hmrc.gov.uk.

HMRC’s decision to name these accountancy firms highlights a clear shift: it is not just promoters who are under scrutiny, but also trusted advisors who enable or profit from tax avoidance.

For contractors, the message is simple – stick with compliant umbrella companies and regulated accountants. Tax “shortcuts” marketed as clever solutions often end up costing far more in the long run.